Hezbollah sponsors: New Lebanon government after 3 months of protest; The protesters were furious

Hasan Diab succeeded in forming a new government, which will inherit a country in a deep economic crisis. He "saluted" the protesters and called for their demands, but they did not continue to visit the streets. The former minister was elected to inherit Al-Hariri after an agreement between the Shi'ite organization and its allies

Hezbollah sponsors: New Lebanon government after 3 months of protest; The protesters were furious

A new government was formed this evening (Tuesday) in Lebanon, about three months after the outbreak of the popular protest that led to the fall of the previous government led by Sa'ad al-Hariri. The new prime minister will head Hassan Diab, following an agreement drawn up by Hezbollah and its allies, but it is not expected to please the protesters.

Shortly after President Michel Aoun signed the establishment of a new government of 20 ministers, five of them women, Diab said in his speech that his first visit as prime minister would be in Arab countries, especially in the Gulf. He called the new government a "rescue team" and said it was "in a hurry, but not reckless" in addressing the serious economic and financial problems it faces. Lebanon is in heavy debt and has been experiencing the worst economic crisis since the civil war that ended 30 years ago.

"It's time to work," said 60-year-old Diab, a professor of engineering at the American University of Beirut. He saluted the protesters and promised to "work to fulfill your demands".

Hezbollah has elected the prime minister, but he will not be able to get Lebanon out of the mud

New Prime Minister Diab (right) alongside President Aoun, tonight (Photo: Reuters)

Incoming Prime Minister Hassan Diab during his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aun at the Beirut Presidential Palace January 21, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

Even before the new government was introduced, protesters continued to visit the streets. Protesters demand comprehensive reforms and each government will be made up of independent professionals. Thousands flocked to the streets tonight, blocking major roads in Beirut and other cities in the country. They were outraged by the parties, saying they were the new ministers, contrary to the new prime minister's claims that the ministers are not politically affiliated with any party - for the first time ever in Lebanese history.

In his speech, Diab called on citizens to help the government implement a "rescue plan" and said his government had the "ability and skills, the will and commitment" to succeed. Among those serving in his government are Zaina Akkar, who will be the first defense minister ever in the country, as well as serving as deputy prime minister.

Although officially a technocrats government, its assembly process included a process of selling trade between the various parties, while protesters insisted on a transparent and independent process with independent candidates.

Lebanon has been without a real government since al-Hariri resigned on October 29, seven years after the unprecedented protest broke out. Violent events have been recorded in recent demonstrations, with about 500 people injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.