Former PM Najib Mikati named Lebanon's prime minister-designate
President Michel Aoun designated Mikati after the wealthy businessman secured the backing of a majority of lawmakers.
Lebanon’s president has appointed Najib Mikati as the country’s new prime minister-designate after the billionaire businessman won the approval of a majority of lawmakers.
The two-time prime minister secured 72 of 118 votes following consultations between members of parliament and Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the Baabda Palace on Monday.
His naming follows Saad Hariri’s announcement on July 15 that he would be stepping down as prime minister-designate after failing to form a Cabinet. On Monday, the veteran Sunni politician endorsed Mikati as his replacement and told reporters "the country has a chance today.”
Lebanon has been governed by a caretaker Cabinet since Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in August 2020 amid protests demanding accountability for the Beirut explosion, which officials blame on a stockpile of highly explosive ammonium nitrate stored improperly at Lebanon’s most vital port.
