Lebanon gets new government after 13 months, but little optimism among wary citizens
- New PM Najib Mikati appointed a 24-member cabinet that includes only one woman, and TV presenter George Kordahi as information minister
- But analysts and ordinary Lebanese say there is little hope of a breakthrough to address the country’s financial crisis
Lebanon has ended a 13-month wait for a new government with the unveiling of a line-up that faces the daunting task of rescuing the country from economic meltdown.
A new cabinet was a condition for much-needed international assistance but its ability to deliver the required reforms remains to be seen.
“We will make use of every second to call international bodies and ensure the basic everyday life needs,” he said, adding his cabinet would turn to Arab countries for help.
Lebanese received the news with scepticism bordering on indifference while the EU and the UN stressed it was just a step on a long path to addressing the country’s woes.
Mikati was designated as prime minister in July after his two predecessors failed to clinch an agreement on a new line-up.
