Lebanon parliament speaker reiterates support for Saad Hariri as PM-designate

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has reiterated his support for Saad Hariri as Prime Minister-designate, saying Hariri enjoys the support of his sect, Lebanon’s Dar Al-Fatwa and members of the parliament.

Speaking to Annahar newspaper, Berri said his initiative to form a government is still in place, and he will not back down unless another acceptable initiative is proposed.

He pointed out that Lebanon cannot tolerate a delay or wait for parliamentary elections, even early ones, because they will not take place in less than three or four months, and the country may witness a complete collapse during that period.

He added that if Hariri resigns, there will be a complete collapse, noting that “he is afraid in terms of security”.

Veteran Sunni Muslim politician Hariri was named premier for a fourth time in October, promising to form a cabinet of specialists to enact reforms needed to unlock foreign aid, but the process has stalled over nominations of ministers.

READ: Lebanon’s Christian leader says he still wants Hariri as PM

The political impasse has prevented Lebanon from launching reforms that potential donors insist are a precondition for aid. Meanwhile, foreign reserves are running out and fuel shortages, power cuts and gaps in medical supplies are spreading.

Under a sectarian power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim.

The former government has continued in a caretaker capacity after having resigned in the aftermath of the 4 August Beirut port blast.