BEIRUT: In Lebanon, President Michel Aoun designated Muslim politician Saad al-Hariri as prime minister to form a new government  to tackle the worst crisis since the country’s 1975-1990 civil war.

Hariri won the backing of a majority of parliamentarians in consultations with Aoun. Today’s nomination follows weeks of political wrangling that has delayed a deal on a new government.

Sunni leader Hariri’s last coalition government was toppled almost exactly a year ago as protests gripped the country, furious at Lebanon’s ruling elite.