Marek Belka is Poland's new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Leszek Miller, whose government hit record lows of less than eight-percent support in public opinion polls. Marek Belka, a former finance minister and technocrat, is a close adviser of President Aleksander Kwasniewski and a member of the ruling Democratic Left Alliance. He also recently served as the top economic official in the U.S.-led government in Iraq. The 52-year-old Mr. Belka vowed to restore public trust in the government and to use Poland's strong economic growth to fight unemployment, running around 20 percent. After being appointed he said lowering joblessness will be the main task of his government.

He also said his administration would continue fiscal reforms started by the previous government. These reforms are intended to prepare Poland for membership in the euro currency later this decade, by cutting the budget deficit to less than three-percent.

In his previous job as finance minister, analysts say Mr. Belka earned the respect of the European Union and that of financial markets for taking on the painful task of restructuring Poland's public finances. He is also respected among the business community, but analysts say it is unclear how he is viewed by Poles suffering economic hardship.

On foreign policy, Mr. Belka has pledged to continue the previous government's commitment to stay in Iraq until it stabilizes. Poland commands a multi-national force in the south of the country.

Leszek Miller, a former member of the communist politburo, resigned after a wave of scandals hit is government and cut support in public opinion polls to single digits. The poor economy is also blamed for the loss of support.

Meanwhile, Mr. Belka must still receive a vote of confidence from the lower house of parliament within two weeks, but the ruling party and its allies do not have a sufficient majority. If Mr. Belka is not approved this raises the possibility of early elections.

Several ministers from the outgoing cabinet kept their jobs, including ministers of Economy, Defense and Foreign affairs.