New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras is sworn is as Prime Minster of Greece.

He is promising to negotiate softer terms on Greece's harsh international bailout. He also wants to help Greek citizens regain dignity as he tries to steer the country through its biggest crisis in four decades.

His swearing-in ends weeks of uncertainty that rattled financial markets, and threatened to push near-bankrupt Greece out of the euro zone.

He is also calling for the public's help.

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK PRIME MINISTER, ANTONIS SAMARAS, SAYING:

"I'm asking the Greek people for patriotism, national unity, and trust. With God's help, we'll do everything we can to get the country out of the crisis as soon as possible. I will ask the new government to work hard and offer the Greek people tangible hope."

The coalition government is in a race to overcome public disgust with their record. It will also have to persuade reluctant euro zone partners to ease the terms of a bailout that has caused deep economic suffering.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters