Hezbollah candidate asked to form Lebanon’s government

A Hezbollah-backed billionaire businessman has been asked to form Lebanon’s next government, in a move that has infuriated some parts of the population.

A presidential decree appointed Najib Mikati prime minister-designate after he won the support of a majority of MPs. Reaching out to all Lebanese factions, he denied the outcome of parliamentary consultations was a victory for one camp over another.

“It is a victory for unity, a victory of moderation over extremism, unity over fragmentation, reconciliation over separation,” Mikati said. “The slogan of responsible governance is determination and tolerance.”

A telecoms tycoon, Mikati is an ally-turned-foe of Saad al-Hariri who until now has been Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister. Although a Sunni himself, Mikati was the candidate of the opposition, led by Shi’ite Islamists Hezbollah.

Hariri supporters have denounced what they see as a pro-Iranian coup.

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