Lebanon: Saad Hariri will consult the political forces on the French initiative

Saad Hariri, candidate to lead a new government in Lebanon, will launch consultations with the main political forces to probe them on their commitment to the French initiative to get the country out of the crisis, according to a statement Monday (October 12).

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This announcement by the former Prime Minister comes three days before parliamentary discussions that Lebanese President Michel Aoun should in principle conduct Thursday to appoint a head of government.

"

" Hariri said in the statement.

Political class accused of incompetence and corruption

A devastating explosion at the port of Beirut on August 4 amplified the unprecedented economic and social crisis facing Lebanon.

Saad Hariri was forced to resign in October 2019 by an unprecedented protest movement that demanded the departure of the political class unchanged for decades and accused of incompetence and corruption.

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The next government, headed by Hassan Diab, resigned after the explosion at the port.

His successor, Mustapha Adib resigned in September, faced with blockages from the main Hezbollah and Amal in his attempts to form a government.

Twice prime minister and close to France, Saad Hariri appears today as the best placed candidate to form a government.

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" to respond to the initiative of the French president, added Saad Hariri after a meeting with Michel Aoun.

During his second visit to Beirut in early September, Emmanuel Macron called on the political forces to form an “

” government as quickly as possible to initiate reforms and thus unlock crucial international aid.

While waiting for a new government, the Diab team manages day-to-day affairs.