Greek Leader to Reshuffle Cabinet Amid Protests

Greece's prime minister, struggling to ensure parliamentary approval for a crucial austerity bill, said today he would reshuffle his Cabinet and seek a vote of confidence for his new government this week. He spoke after coalition talks with opposition parties failed. George Papandreou's announcement came on a day when central Athens was rocked once more by anti-austerity riots, and the debt-ridden country came under massive pressure from markets. (The Dow is having a miserable day.)

"The country is facing critical times," Papandreou said. "Today I made new proposals to the leaders of all parties to achieve the necessary national consensus. I clarified that my responsibility has no dependence on official posts." Opposition party officials had called for Papandreou's resignation as a condition for any coalition deal. The emergency talks began as riot police clashed with thousands of youths in the main square outside Parliament. More than 60 people were injured, including 36 police. (More Greece stories.)