Greek PM Karamanlis to reshuffle cabinet

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will reshuffle his conservative cabinet on Wednesday in an effort to reverse its sliding popularity due to riots and discontent with economic measures.

A government statement said the new cabinet is expected to be announced at 1030 GMT and media reported a broad reshuffle that will see some top ministers go, including the finance minister.

"The government spokesman will announce the composition of the new cabinet," a government statement said.

The ruling New Democracy party, which swept to power in 2004 and was re-elected in 2007, has seen its popularity slide below the opposition socialists in recent months due to a series of scandals and unpopular economic policies.

The police shooting of a teenager on Dec. 6 sparked the worst riots in years. Analysts said the violence was fuelled by lingering public discontent as the global financial crisis begins to bite.