Hailemariam re-elected PM of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, October 8: In a widely expected development, Hailemariam Desalegne, 50, has been unimously re-elected Ethiopia’s prime minister for a second term at the iugural session of the newly-elected parliament where the ruling coalition holds all seats. Hailemariam has overseen a smooth transition in power in the vast Horn of Africa tion since he took over in 2012 after the death of the then premier Meles Zewi. The swearing-in for the second time marks his first full term at the helm of the East African country. He effected a simple reshuffle in his cabinet, appointing several new ministers.

Since his being re-elected officially on Monday, he is expected to make major policy changes and show his power in decision-making, according to an opposition party member who requested anonymity.

“Though we are not happy about the election results, we knew this was going to happen. However, we also expect a lot from him and his party to take the country on the path of development in every aspect and working strongly with his party and opposition members on the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP2) and other plans,” he added. “He has to mainly focus on how to reduce the number of unemployed people roaming the streets; how to provide access to clean water, health, education and roads; how to increase agricultural production; how to sustain the current high rate of economic growth; tiol security, intertiol relations and so on.”  (IANS)