The Head of the Greek administrative court Panagiotis Pikrammenos has been sworn in as interim government leader in a ceremony in the Presidential Palace, after politicians failed to form a coalition government.

The swearing in ceremony was presided over by head of the Church of Greece Archbishop Ieronimos. Afterwards he shook hands with President Karolos Papoulias.

Pikrammenos met with the outgoing Prime Minister Lucas Papademos in a formal hand over. Mr Papademos then wished him the best of luck saying in Greek,

"During the next period it is of special importance to complete the international obligations of the country and the policies which will secure trust and security need to be implemented. I wish the best of luck in your work, and I am at your disposal for any help."

To which Mr Pikramennos replied,

"I am taking over this very difficult position during a difficult period."

The new leader will have no power to take political decisions, only to carry Greece into the a new voting election believed to be on June 17th. Hundreds of millions of Euros have been withdrawn by Greeks from banks in the last couple of days, in the wake of the nation's May 6 election. European leaders have issued stark warnings that if Greece fails to meet promises to them,then lenders will pull the plug on financing, driving Athens to bankruptcy and a swift exit from the EU single currency.

Meanwhile a new poll confirmed what other surveys have shown: that radical leftists who reject a bailout agreed with the European Union and International Monetary Fund are poised for victory in the upcoming elections. So the role of this care taker PM is a very precarious one.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter