New Greek PM, FM in hospital

Greece’s new prime minister and finance minister were both in hospitals, being treated for different ailments less than three days after a government was formed in the crisis-struck country. The creation of a three-party coalition government following two inconclusive national elections ended weeks of political uncertainty that had led to fears of Greece being forced out of Europe’s joint currency. Such an event could have dragged down other financially troubled European countries and dragged down the continent’s economy. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, whose conservative New Democracy party came first in June 17 elections but did not win enough votes to form a government on its own, underwent eye surgery to repair the early stages of a detached retina. The problem was discovered during what his office said was a routine eye test on Friday. State NET radio said the surgery was completed successfully shortly after mid-day. The prime minister’s office said a statement from the hospital on his condition was expected later in the day. Although Samaras returned to his office on Friday afternoon after his eye check, a meeting of his conservative party’s newly elected deputies that had been planned for that night was canceled. Separately, newly appointed Finance Minister Vassilis Rapanos, 65, remained in a private clinic after being rushed to hospital Friday suffering from intense abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, sweating and weakness. The hospital said on Saturday that he had been submitted to tests, the results of which were “very satisfactory,” and that his condition was “stable and improving”. It did not say what he was suffering from or give any further details on his condition, other than to say his treatment would continue “for the next hours.” It was unclear how long he would remain hospitalised. Rapanos, who was named to the post on Thursday, has not been sworn in to office yet. His swearing in ceremony had been scheduled for Friday evening, but was postponed due to his illness. Samaras was sworn in as Greece’s fourth prime minister in eight months Wednesday, after three days of negotiations which led to New Democracy forming a power-sharing government with long-time socialist PASOK party rivals, and the small Democratic Left party.from khaleej times.