PROTESTERS in Lebanon were enraged today by the announcement of a wealthy candidate to be the next prime minister, saying that the choice reflects the country’s failed political system.

Demonstrations calling for radical reform of the government have raged for over a month.

Today, key political figures agreed that property tycoon Mohammed Safadi should be tasked with forming the next government, according to senior officials.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said the former member of parliament had agreed to accept the post if he won the support of major parties, and that the process to formally appoint him should begin on Monday.

He added that a new government was likely to be formed quickly as all the main parties agreed on the need for swift action.

Protesters gathered in front of one of Mr Safadi’s properties in the northern city of Tripoli to oppose his nomination, which they called a provocation and in conflict of protests.

The city, previously represented in parliament by Mr Safadi, has been one of the main sites of the demonstrations, with nightly rallies held in its main squares.

Another protest took place at Zaytuna Bay, a luxury marina in central Beirut that is run by a company chaired by Mr Safadi.

Former prime minister Saad Hariri resigned on October 29, following a fortnight of nationwide protests demanding the end of the ruling elite’s “corrupt” and “incompetent” reign.

Politicians have been unable to agree on a new cabinet since then and Mr Hariri has remained in office in a caretaker capacity.

Mr Safadi was investigated by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office as part of a probe into a Saudi arms deal in 2006 and his property firms have in the past received contracts from arms company BAE Systems.

In 2008, Mr Safadi served as minister of economy and trade in the government of prime minister Fouad Siniora and in a Hariri-led cabinet formed in 2009.

He also served as finance minister under prime minister Najib Mikati between 2011 and 2014.

Demonstrations in the country have been relatively peaceful, although one protester was shot dead on Tuesday in an altercation with soldiers.

The soldier who shot Abou Fakher, a member of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, has been detained and an investigation is under way.