Lebanon's PM-designate vows reforms in crisis-hit Arab country

Lebanon's newly-designated prime minister Mustapha Adib has vowed to swiftly launch a reformist government to address the acute economic and political crises in the country, which were worsened following a massive Beirut blast earlier this month.

In a televised speech after his nomination, Adib said on Monday there "was no time for words, promises and wishes," pledging instead to enact swift reforms long demanded by the Lebanese people. 

There is "a need to form a government in record time and to begin implementing reforms immediately, starting with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund." 

Lebanon earlier this year planned to seek International Monetary Fund aid after approving an economic rescue plan setting out vast losses in its financial system. Many are skeptic that the IMF conditions will only make things worse.

A relatively unknown 48-year-old diplomat, Adib, is a close aide to former premier Najib Mikati. He had also served as Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany since 2013.

His appointment was confirmed on Monday by President Michel Aoun, after he received the support of a majority of members of Lebanon’s parliament to succeed Hassan Diab, who resigned as prime minister following Beirut’s blast. 

Under a power-sharing agreement that ended the 1975-1990 civil war in Lebanon, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, the president a Maronite Christian and the parliament speaker a Shia Muslim. 

Adib was also spotted on Monday touring the Gemmayzeh neighborhood, which was hard hit by an August 4 Beirut explosion. The PM-designate met with volunteers spearheading relief efforts, telling them he wanted the state to work with them in rebuilding Beirut. 

MG