Yesterday, the Lebanese Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, warned in the first meeting of the government hours after the formation of the government was announced that his country was facing an economic "catastrophe", which made it a priority for his work in the coming stage, explaining that there are "efforts to restore people's confidence in the state, and we are betting on support The army and security are giving them immunity. ”

In detail, the new government held its first session at the presidential palace in Baabda, the day after renewed confrontations between security forces and demonstrators rejecting the new government formation, in a country that has witnessed for more than three months an unprecedented popular movement against the entire political class.

After completing the preparation of its ministerial statement, the new government must obtain the confidence of the parliament, which is likely because the parties represented in it, which supported the mandate of Diab, such as Hezbollah and its allies, have a majority in parliament.

University professor Diab (61 years) insists that his government is composed of specialists, in implementation of the demands of the street, except that the delay in its formation by more than a month is due to the division of allied political forces mainly on the sharing of shares among them, and the refusal of others to participate in it.

Diab considered yesterday, in statements read by the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Mahmoud Makiya, at the conclusion of the protocol session: “We are facing a financial, economic and social impasse, in fact we are facing a catastrophe, and we must mitigate the impact of the disaster”, adding, “What is important today is to secure stability Who saves the country. ”

Diab pointed to "tremendous challenges" facing his government in a country that has been witnessing for months an economic collapse threatening the Lebanese people for their livelihoods and jobs, stressing that "the Lebanese people have the right to shout, and to demand the halt of the country's downward path, while reform remains a captive of attraction."

During an interview with journalists reported by local media yesterday, Diab said: "The financial and economic approach of this government will be completely different from the previous governments."

In turn, the Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, told the new government: "Your mission is accurate." He pointed out "the need to work to address the economic situation, restore the confidence of the international community in Lebanese institutions, and work to reassure the Lebanese of their future."

The day after the announcement of the formation of the government, French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday: "We will do everything to help our Lebanese friends in the deep crisis they are going through."

Diab called, yesterday, after the announcement of the formation of the government, to give him "a little time" and said, "We will be quick but not rushed," stressing that his priority is to address "all matters related to the economy, the banking sector and the exchange of the lira."

The headline of the "Last Chance Government" newspaper was published by "Al-Akhbar" newspaper yesterday, while "Al-Nahar" newspaper asked, "Is it a government of chaos management?"

Yesterday, calm returned to Beirut and other major cities, in the wake of demonstrations rejecting the Diab government blocking roads in several areas. In the center of Beirut, the vicinity of the Parliament also witnessed clashes between demonstrators and the security forces, who responded with tear gas and water cannons after the demonstrators threw stones at them.

Yesterday morning, protesters again cut off several roads, especially in the Tripoli area (north) and the Bekaa region (east).

Protesters see that the new government is only a front for political parties allied with each other, considering that the new ministers represent the parties that named them, surprisingly describing them as "technocrats".

Diab and the parties supporting him have proposed new personalities in the new government, away from any names that protesters might consider provocative, such as the former foreign minister, Gibran Bassil.

Others, supporters of the former prime minister, Saad Hariri, oppose the new government, considering that Diab does not represent the Sunni community.

Several parties refused to participate in the government, headed by the Future Movement headed by Hariri, and the Lebanese Forces Party headed by Samir Geagea, and thus Diab's contacts were limited, while working on the formation of his government on one team, represented in the free patriotic movement led by President Aoun, headed by his brother-in-law, Gibran Basil, and his allies, most notably Hezbollah, and the Amal movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Diab: This government's financial and economic approach will be completely different from previous governments.

The new government must gain the confidence of the parliament, which is likely.

Demonstrators believe that the new government is only a front for political parties allied with each other.

The "banks" are demanding a clear program

The Association of Lebanese Banks said yesterday that it expects the newly formed government to put in place an economic and financial program and to press ahead with reforms without delay.

In a statement, the association said it expects the formation of the government to restore confidence and stability to the country’s economy and security, and it is ready to contribute to the advancement of Lebanon from its crisis.

The former Lebanese Labor Minister, Camille Abu Sulaiman, said that the country should restructure international bonds, including a $ 1.2 billion issue due in March, and obtain a billions of dollars in bailout from the International Monetary Fund to avoid an economic meltdown.

He added in an interview with «Reuters»: «I do not see the logic of the system, which leaks $ 500 million to $ 600 million outside Lebanon in March, at a time when it is almost imperative to actually restructure the international bonds, rather that the money is spent on other things Like food and medicine. ”

Beirut - Reuters