A new ministry, but the same old problem.
Many in Greece's ruling Syriza party had opposed tough economic measures, necessary to bring an economic bailout package into law.
Three ministers were sacked after voting against the reforms, leading to a reshuffle.
The new cabinet says it's up for the challenge.
New Government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili says it's time to get down to business.
"Now it's time for work, for hard work, to change the situation so the people can be assured that they can rely on this government to support the weakest classes in order to exit this tremendous crisis."
Newly appointed Energy Minister Panos Skourletis agrees hard work is ahead.
"Confronted with these new developments, what's required is a laborious effort so that we can ease the burden and maintain hope."
Banks are due to re-open their doors tomorrow, but ATM withdrawals remain limited to 60 euros per day, or a total of 420 euros per week.
An increased sales tax on some items, agreed to with international creditors, also comes into force.
But many Greeks remain pessimistic.
This Athens resident, retiree Konstantinos Vasilakis, says the country needs to rebuild.
"We shall see. The money is all gone, we need to adjust to reality and get to work."
Unemployed Athens man, Giorgos Kamilas remains gloomy.
"I think they will be able to pass these measures, but this government has crushed our hopes. So many people voted for them and now their hopes have been crushed. So they will pass these measures but they will soon fall because they lied too much."
Greece's healthcare system is also showing the strain.
Hospital budgets have been cut and some medicines are difficult to come by.
One Athens Doctor is vowing to fight on.
Theo Giannaros, Director of Athen's Elpis Hospital, is refusing to let the dire economic situation affect the outcome for his patients.
"Nobody is going to tell us, who is going to live and who is going to die. We're going to treat everybody, regardless of their colour, their religion or their financial status."
But efforts are being frustrated by bureaucracy.
He's unable to get registration for a badly needed new ambulance, secured from international donors without the approval of his superiors.
"Now I'm going to drive it myself, even without number plates."
Desperate measures, in desperate times.
Share
