Macron calls on Lebanon to create new government
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Lebanon to swiftly form a new government, following the appointment of its new prime minister.
Lebanon's former ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib, has taken on the brand new role with the backing of all MPs.
Senior Lebanese officials say Mr Macron's mediation has been crucial in reaching consensus on the appointment.
The last government resigned following the devastating explosion in the capital, Beirut, on 4 August.
At least 200 people were killed by the blast, caused by ammonium nitrate placed unsafely at the city's port.
Mr Macron arrived in Beirut on Monday for his second visit since the deadly explosion. During his stay he is likely to push Lebanese politicians to tackle corruption and financial waste.
Talking with reporters, he said a fresh government ought to be formed "as quickly as possible" - a thing that Mr Adib has recently promised.
But during his visit Mr Macron has been met by protesters chanting "no Adib" - a sign that Mr Adib's appointment sometimes appears by some as a continuation of the country's status quo.
Demonstrators have staged mass rallies across Lebanon since October, calling for a complete overhaul of the political system. Power is basically predicated on sectarian interests in the united states, and successive government have been accused of ineffective and elitist leadership.
Political appointments and several jobs depend on owned by one of Lebanon's myriad religious communities, a predicament which has led to patronage, cronyism and endemic corruption.
Mr Adib's appointment comes at the same time of deep crisis for Lebanon, still reeling from the blast which also left thousands of people injured and districts in ruins. Even before the explosion, the united states was in dire financial trouble as the currency collapsed, unemployment soared and poverty grew.
It has also been grappling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which includes compounded the monetary slump.
