Lebanon’s outgoing PM Hariri blasts president’s party over delays

Lebanon’s outgoing prime minister is harshly criticizing the party of the country’s president after weeks of delay in forming a new Cabinet.

A statement released on Sunday by Saad Hariri’s office called the policies of Michel Aoun’s party “irresponsible.”

Almost three weeks after Hariri resigned amid massive anti-government protests, Aoun has yet to call for consultations with parliamentary blocs’ leaders to name a new premier.

Nationwide demonstrations began on October 17 against new taxes amid a plunging economy.

They’re now calling for the downfall of the political elite who have run the country since the 1975-90 civil war.

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Some major factions in Lebanon’s sectarian political system want to keep Hariri in the new government. But they want him to form a cabinet of politicians and technocrats.

He’s insisting on only technocrats.