Mustapha Adib set to be become Lebanon's new Prime Minister

Lebanon's Ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib is set to become the country's next Prime Minister. Adib was named by four former Lebanon Prime Ministers as their choice for the post. 

Former prime minister Najib Mikati was the first MP to formally nominate Adib during the consultations at the presidential palace. Adib also reportedly has the support of former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who heads the biggest Sunni party, the Future Movement.

Under Lebanon's sectarian system, the post of prime minister should go to a Sunni Muslim. Ajib's name was put forward on the eve of binding consultations between the president and parliamentary blocs on their choice for the Prime Minister's post.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun will meet the parliamentary blocs today in the official consultations to designate the new premier. He will be required to nominate the candidate who receives with greatest support among MPs as the next Prime Minister of the nation.

Lebanon's ambassador to Germany #MustaphaAdib on course to become the country's next prime minister after securing major political backing.

The government, led by Hassan Diab, quit this month amid anger over an explosion in the capital Beirut. pic.twitter.com/YBiYUfVgRw

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 30, 2020

Mustapha Adib is set to be designated prime minister on August 31, 2020, ahead of the two-day visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The French President is expected to press the Lebanese officials to form a new political pact to steer the country out of its multiple crises.

Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab resigns after Beirut blast

Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab had announced the resignation of his government on August 10, 2020 after facing public outrage over the devastating Beirut explosion that caused massive destruction in the capital city, leading to the loss of many lives. 

Diab announced that he is stepping down so that he can stand with the people and fight the battle for change alongside them. He stated that the unfortunate explosion that devastated Beirut was a result of endemic corruption. His resignation followed a weekend of anti-government protests over the explosion.

A massive explosion rocked Lebanon's capital Beirut on August 4, killing more than 160 people and injuring over 6000. The explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that was stored unsafely at a warehouse near Beirut's port for several years.