Lebanon’s Hariri says he’s 'definitely a candidate' to lead government again
The former Lebanese prime minister resigned last year amid anti-government protests, but now says he is willing to return.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said he is ready to lead the country as prime minister again in the wake of the massive blast at Beirut’s port and a devastating economic crisis.
“I am definitely a candidate” to head the next government, Hariri told Lebanese TV channel MTV, adding, “I will not close the door on the only hope left for Lebanon to stem this collapse.”
He said, “I am ready to conduct a round of political contacts during this week if all political parties still agree on the program” that was discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron has made further aid conditional on Lebanon’s enacting sweeping political reforms. The French president was promised by Lebanon’s leaders a new cabinet would be formed by mid-September.
