BEIRUT (LEBANON) – With French president Emmanuel Macron slated to visit Lebanon, Beirut’s envoy to Germany Mustapha Adib is all set to be designated prime minister on Monday. The visiting French head of state will urge long-delayed reforms in the Middle East nation to help it tide over the crisis.
Macron plays a key role in global efforts to get the leaders of Lebanon to the discussion table for talks to find ways to tackle the grim economic crisis that has plagued the country. The country further reeled into crisis after the devastating explosion at Beirut port earlier this month, which left scores dead and wounding thousands.
Adib was nominated by former prime ministers, including Saad al-Hariri, who heads the country’s biggest Sunni Muslim party. As per constitution, the prime minister should be a Sunni while the president has to be a Maronite Christian.
Najib Mikati, a former PM, was the first to nominate Adib after consulting the presidential palace on Monday. President Michel Aoun has to designate the candidate having the support of the maximum number of lawmakers.
According to senior officials, Macron had pressured Lebanese leaders to select a candidate within 48 hours. Last week, they were deadlocked over selecting a prime minister.
The French leader is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon late on Monday and will hold talks with leaders the following day.
After meeting Aoun on Monday, Hariri called for the quick formation of a government.
Adib has a doctorate in law and political science and had previously served as an adviser to Mikati. He has served as ambassador to Germany since 2013.
Shi’ite parties, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, will nominate Adib at the talks.
Hezbollah ally Christian Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) founded by Aoun will also throw their weight behind Adib, said Gebran Bassil, Aoun’s son-in-law and the party leader.
After Adib is designated, the process of inducting new ministers will begin and until then the outgoing government will continue as caretaker.
Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.