Chouliarakis chosen as Greek finance minister

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Greece named economist George Chouliarakis its new finance minister Friday in a caretaker government until elections are held.

Chouliarakis was Greece's representative during meetings with the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund as it successfully sought an economic bailout. He is regarded by Eurozone officials as a positive force for rescuing the Greek government from its financial problems.

He likely will not last long in the position, though. After last week's resignation of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and unsuccessful attempts to convene a coalition government, new elections were called for September and an interim prime minister, Vassiliki Thanou, was chosen. She is expected to officially dissolve Parliament Friday, and set a date for new elections.

During Tsipras' conflicts over austerity promises in return for the bailout, the Greek economy improved more than expected. Figures from the government Hellenic Statistical authority said Friday gross domestic product improved by 0.9 percent in the second quarter of 2015, more than the estimated 0.8 percent. It indicated output improved by 1.8 percent over last year, Greece's fastest growth pace since 2008. Exports also grew and imports decreased by 4.9 percent.