This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Lebanon has been gripped by unprecedented cross-sectarian protests since October 17, with demonstrators denouncing perceived official mismanagement and corruption.
On December 8, 2019, businessman Samir Khatib had been put forward as a likely contender to succeed Hariri, but he said a visit to the country's highest Sunni Muslim authority had indicated otherwise.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan informed Khatib that 'a consensus had been reached to name Saad Hariri as prime minister to form the next government', the 72-year-old businessman said in televised comments.
Hariri, who has stayed on in the role of caretaker premier and has supported Khatib in his bid, was informed of his withdrawal from the race by Khatib, he said.
Lebanon's president has called for mandatory parliamentary consultations starting on Monday to decide on a new premier, but the country's complex political system has made cabinet formation a lengthy process.
According to the system, Lebanon's prime minister is always a Sunni Muslim, and Hariri has been prime minister on and off since 2009, following in the footsteps of his father, late premier Rafik Hariri.
Lebanon desperately needs a new government to rebuild trust with both protesters demanding a cabinet of independent experts, and international donors able to provide financial aid.
