Libya’s parliament suspends appointed premier Bashagha

TRIPOLI, Libya

The Libyan Parliament on Tuesday voted to suspend appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha, according to a parliamentary spokesman.

"The House of Representatives (parliament) voted by majority to suspend Bashagha and referred him to investigation," Abdullah Bliheg said in a statement.

He added that Finance Minister Osama Hamada was assigned with Bashagha’s duties.

The spokesman cited poor performance and corruption for the decision to suspend Bashagha.

Libyan lawmaker Tariq al-Jarushi said Bashagha was condemned in a report issued by the Parliamentary Administrative Oversight Committee.

The report cited negligence, waste of public money, unfulfilled promises and unimplemented projects, he told Anadolu.

Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, Bashagha assigned his duties to his deputy, Ali Faraj Al-Qatrani, without providing any reason for the move.

Bashagha was appointed as prime minister by East Libya-based parliament in early 2022.

His appointment has triggered a dispute with the head of the Tripoli-based government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, who refused to hand over power except to a government assigned by a newly elected parliament.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi