Lebanon’s PM-designate Saad Hariri steps down

Beirut, Jul 15 (EFE).- Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday stepped down after failing to form a government for nearly nine months amid the country’s worst economic and political crisis since a years-long civil war ended in 1990.

Hariri announced his resignation following a meeting with President Michel Aoun, saying they could not reach an agreement, according to the state-run news agency NNA.

“The president had requested amendments and considered it essential to the (government) line-up that I proposed,” the Lebanese politician said.

“We discussed matters related to trust and it is clear that nothing had changed,” he added.

 Hariri had previously proposed an 18-minister cabinet that Aoun rejected, reportedly demanding more members to be able to include two more Christian ministers who would give Aoun’s party the ability to veto.

The Lebanese government has resigned in the wake of a massive explosion that hit the Beirut port in August last year; however, it has continued to function in a caretaker status.

The country has been gripped by a wrenching economic crisis, with hyperinflation, continuous power cuts and shortages of medical supply and fuel.

The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90% of its value since 2019.

smq/mp