BEIRUT (LEBANON) – President Michel Aoun of Lebanon said on Wednesday he was willing to take the responsibility to designate a prime minister in order to form a new government to put an end to the spiralling economic crisis.
In a televised address, he blamed officials for stalling reforms, including a forensic audit of the central bank and a shake-up of the power sector. He also vowed to tackle anyone who tried to block reforms.
Western donors have indicated that there will not be any aid unless Lebanon takes solid measures to curb graft and waste.
“Where are all the reforms? Where are all the clauses that were presented to the heads of (parliamentary) blocs and parties….but nothing was implemented?” Aoun said.
“The silence of any official, and lack of cooperation in the forensic audit (of the central bank), prove he is a partner in corruption and waste,” he added.
He is slated to hold discussions on Thursday with lawmakers to nominate a prime minister who can form the new government.
