The embattled president of Egypt Hosni Mubarak has promoted his chief of intelligence, Omar Suleiman, to the vice presidency as anti-government protests continue to defy a curfew and demonstrate on the streets.

According to Egypt’s state-owned news agency, Suleiman, 74, was appointed Saturday evening Cairo time. Reuters reported the naming of Suleiman might indicate a new succession plan, in the likely event Mubarak chooses not to run again in elections scheduled for September.

Suleiman, a long-time Mubarak crony, becomes the first vice-president ever under this regime.

Moreover, Mubarak ordered the former civil aviation minister Ahmed Shafik to create a new government and named him as prime minister.

Meanwhile, troubles rages on Egypt’s cities. CNN reported that security forces shot at civilians near the Interior Ministry in Cairo on Saturday.

Some protesters were not pleased by the new appointments.

[Suleiman] is just like Mubarak, there is no change, a protester told Reuters.

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