Khazen

BEIRUT, (Xinhua) — Lebanon’s presidency issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing that President Michel Aoun will conduct parliamentary consultations on Dec. 9 to name a prime minister for the formation of the new government, the National News Agency reported. Officials belonging to different political parties announced in the past few days that businessman Samir Khatib has the biggest chance to assume the position of prime minister in Lebanon. Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced on Tuesday his support for Khatib to be the next prime minister, prompting Lebanese to voice their anger by blocking roads in some regions including Beirut and Bekaa. The protesters, some of whom gathered outside Khatib’s house in Beirut, accused Khatib, the executive vice president of engineering firm Khatib & Alami, of being involved in corruption related to government projects. Lebanon has witnessed nationwide protests since Oct. 17, leading to the resignation of Hariri’s government. Protesters are calling for a complete change of the ruling political system which led to their impoverishment because of their failing policies over the past years.