Lebanon’s prime minister-designate resigns

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib resigned Saturday, abandoning efforts to form a new government amid popular demands for reform.

His resignation comes a month after he was appointed. Adib was previously Lebanon’s envoy to Germany since 2013. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has been urging Lebanon’s political factions to form a new government quickly, offering to host an aid conference in mid-October to help them come out of an economic and financial crisis worsened by the Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut port.

The previous Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab resigned amid widespread criticism over the blast, which killed nearly 200 people. 

An official in Macron’s office described Adib’s resignation to the Associated Press as “a collective betrayal” by Lebanon’s political parties. 

“It is indispensable to have a government capable of receiving international aid. France will not abandon Lebanon,” the official reportedly said. 

Macron’s office will reportedly hold a press conference on the matter on Sunday. 

“I apologize for pursuing the task of forming the government, wishing those who will be chosen for the arduous task after me, and for those who will choose him, to have full success in facing the imminent dangers facing our country, our people and our economy.,” Adib tweeted Saturday.