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 new role with the backing of most MPs.
Senior Lebanese officials have said Macron’s mediation has been crucial in reaching consensus on the appointment.
The last government of the country resigned following the devastating explosion in the capital, Beirut, on 4 August. The explosion took the lives of at least 200 people.
Macron arrived in Beirut on Monday for his second visit since the deadly explosion. During his stay he is expected to push Lebanese politicians to tackle corruption and financial waste.
He said a new government needed to be formed “as soon as possible”, something that Adib had already promised.
During his visit, Macron has been met by protesters chanting “no Adib” – a sign that Adib’s appointment is viewed as a continuation of the country’s status quo.
Adib’s appointment comes at a time of deep crisis in the country, still reeling from the blast which also left thousands of people injured and districts in ruins.
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