Daily US Times: Emmanuel Macron, the President of France has called on Lebanon to swiftly form a new government, following the appointment of its new prime minister.
Lebanon’s former ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib, has taken on the new role with the backing of most MPs.
Mr Macron’s mediation has been crucial in reaching consensus on the appointment, senior Lebanese officials say.
The previous government resigned following the devastating explosion in the capital, Beirut, on 4 August, which cost at least 200 lives and the blast was caused by ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the city’s port.
On Monday, Mr Macron arrived in Beirut for his second visit since the deadly explosion. During his stay he is expected to push Lebanese politicians to tackle financial waste and corruption.
He said a new government should be formed “as soon as possible” – something that Mr Adib has already promised.
Emmanuel Macron has been met by protesters during his visit chanting “no Adib” – a sign that Mr Adib’s appointment is seen by some as a continuation of the country’s status quo.
Since October, demonstrators have staged mass rallies across Lebanon, calling for a complete overhaul of the political system. Power is largely based on sectarian interests in the country, and successive government have been accused of ineffective and elitist leadership.
Political appointments and many jobs depend on belonging to one of the country’s myriad religious communities, a situation which has led to cronyism, patronage and endemic corruption.
Mr Adib’s appointment comes at a time when Lebanon is in deep crisis, still reeling from the blast which also left thousands of people injured and districts in ruins. Even before the explosion, the country was in dire financial trouble as the currency collapsed, unemployment soared and poverty grew.
It has also been grappling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has compounded the economic slump.
Who is Mustapha Adib?
The 48-year-old was appointed Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany in 2013. He has a doctorate in law and political science, and previously taught at universities in France and Lebanon. Mr Adib has also served as an adviser to former Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
A group of former prime ministers, including Lebanon’s main Sunni Muslim party The Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, announced that they were endorsing Mr Adib after reviewing several names on Sunday.
Mr Adib said after his nomination that there was “a need to form a government in record time and to begin implementing reforms immediately, starting with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund”.
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