Morgan Tsvangirai new Zimbabwe's PM
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangi
rai is due to take office as prime minister in a deal with old rival President Robert Mugabe aimed at saving the ruined country.
The two ag
reed to share power last year, but their mistrust and continued disagreements held up the deal and have raised questions over how well they will be able to work together Mr Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, is one of Africa's craftiest political operators.
Mr Tsvangirai is a former trade union leader known for fiery speeches, but his leadership skills in government remain untested.
Zimbabwe
ans hope the new government will bring policies to revive a country suffering hyper-inflation, unemployment above 90 per cent, food shortages and a cholera epidemic that has killed nearly 3,500 people.
Leading economist John Robertson said: "Expectations are high for Tsvangirai, who will carry the burden of rebuilding the economy, but people will have to be a bit more patient because they will be disappointed." Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Mr Tsvangirai said he would focus on creating economic stability and attracting foreign investment, not an easy task given the global financial crisis and the fact that Western donors remain wary over the deal with Mr Mugabe.
Mr Tsvangirai, 56, won more votes than Mr Mugabe in an election last March, but not enough to avoid a second round. He pulled out of the run-off, citing violence against his supporters, and Mr Mugabe, 84, was re-elected unopposed.
Source: Independent Channel 4 Television News
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangi
rai is due to take office as prime minister in a deal with old rival President Robert Mugabe aimed at saving the ruined country. The two ag
reed to share power last year, but their mistrust and continued disagreements held up the deal and have raised questions over how well they will be able to work together Mr Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, is one of Africa's craftiest political operators.Mr Tsvangirai is a former trade union leader known for fiery speeches, but his leadership skills in government remain untested.
Zimbabwe
ans hope the new government will bring policies to revive a country suffering hyper-inflation, unemployment above 90 per cent, food shortages and a cholera epidemic that has killed nearly 3,500 people.Leading economist John Robertson said: "Expectations are high for Tsvangirai, who will carry the burden of rebuilding the economy, but people will have to be a bit more patient because they will be disappointed." Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Mr Tsvangirai said he would focus on creating economic stability and attracting foreign investment, not an easy task given the global financial crisis and the fact that Western donors remain wary over the deal with Mr Mugabe.
Mr Tsvangirai, 56, won more votes than Mr Mugabe in an election last March, but not enough to avoid a second round. He pulled out of the run-off, citing violence against his supporters, and Mr Mugabe, 84, was re-elected unopposed.
Source: Independent Channel 4 Television News
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