Poland gets new government

A new government, led by the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) of former communists, has taken office in Poland.

SLD ousted the centre-right Solidarity government in last month's elections, and its leader, Leszek Miller, has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister.

As the party fell 15 seats short of an overall majority, it has formed a coalition with the Peasants' Party.

A BBC correspondent in the region says Mr Miller will face a difficult task dealing with Poland's looming budget crisis as well as trying to speed up talks on joining the European Union.

He says in both areas Mr Miller could run into conflict with his junior coalition partner, which represents Poland's large rural population.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service