Hariri back as Lebanon PM a fourth time, vows to push reforms
PROMISES TO FORM CABINET OF SPECIALISTS TO PUSH ECONOMIC REFORMS
Lebanese veteran politician Sa’ad Hariri was named prime minister for a fourth time yesterday and pledged to form a new government that can tackle the country’s worst crisis since its 1975- 90 civilwar.
Hariri said he would quickly form a cabinet of specialists “with a mission to enact the economic and financial reforms” set out in a French plan to get foreign aid.
But he faces major challenges to navigate Lebanon’s sectarian politics to agree a cabinet, which must then fix a mounting list of woes: A banking crisis, currency crash, rising poverty and crippling state debts.
A new government will also have to contend with a Covid19 surge and the fallout of the August explosion at Beirut port that killed nearly 200 people and caused billions of dollars of damage. The blast prompted the outgoing government, which succeeded Hariri’s last administration, to quit.
Hariri’s last cabinet toppled almost exactly a year ago
At 50, Hariri has already served three terms since 2009 as premier— a post reserved for a Sunni in Lebanon’s powersharing system. His last cabinet was toppled almost exactly a year ago following protests.
Hariri was backed by a majority of parliamentarians.
“I tell the Lebanese who are suffering from hardships to the point of despair that I am determined to work to stop the collapse that is threatening our economy, our society and security,” he told reporters.
The nomination of Hariri, long aligned with western and Gulf states, follows weeks of political wrangling that has delayed a deal on a new government. He was backed by his own Future Movement, the Shi’ite Amal party, Druze politician Walid Jumblatt’s party and other small blocs.
Hezbollah seeks ‘ to maintain positive climate’
Hezbollah, which took part in Hariri’s last coalition cabinet, did not nominate anyone but said it would seek “to maintain the positive climate.” Together with its allies, including Amal and Aoun’s party, they hold a majority in parliament.
Lebanon’s two main Christian blocs did not nominate Hariri. The Free Patriotic Movement, led by Aoun’s son- inlaw, said a veteran politician could not lead a technocrat government. Its rival the Lebanese Forces, the second biggest Christian bloc and a staunch Hezbollah opponent, also declined to name him.
Hariri has presented himself as the “natural candidate” to build a cabinet that can revive the French roadmap, which lists long- neglected reforms and calls for resuming IMF talks.
I tell the Lebanese who are suffering from hardships to the point of despair that I am determined to work to stop the collapse that is threatening our economy, our society and security.”
Lebanese sceptical
Many in Beirut remained sceptical that any change would come. Even in the Tariq Al Jadida district where the Hariri family holds sway, Lebanese were weary. “Even if they bring a divine prime minister down from the sky, a government in Lebanon would not work, because fundamentally, there’s no state,” shop- owner Adnan said.
In Beirut’s Hamra street, Marwa Hodeib said she felt stuck in a loop. “I think we might all leave the country and they’ll still be here,” she said.
Sa’ad Hariri | Lebanese Prime Minister