PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s newly installed transitional council chose former Sports Minister Fritz Bélizaire as the Caribbean country’s prime minister Tuesday as it presses forward in its monumental task of trying to establish a stable new government amid stifling violence.
Bélizaire replaces Michel Patrick Boisvert, the former minister of economy and finance who was the current interim prime minister. Bélizaire is little known and even some members of the council said they were unfamiliar with him.
The nine-member transitional council, seven of whom have voting rights, was choosing a new prime minister and Cabinet in a bid to help quell gang violence that is choking the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond. Bélizaire had the support of four of the council’s voting members.
Heavy gunfire was reported in several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, including near the National Palace, although it wasn’t immediately clear if it was in response to the unexpected announcement of a new prime minister.
Fake elector case: Former Arizona GOP chair Kelli Ward and others set to be arraigned
Lauren Sanchez 'begged Kellyanne Conway for help with her public image when they met at a party'
Polish voters choose mayors in hundreds of cities in runoff election
Local election workers fear threats to their safety as November nears
Germany and Real Madrid great Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
Direct flights resume between Chengdu, Auckland
Polish voters choose mayors in hundreds of cities in runoff election
Protesters against war in Gaza interrupt Blinken repeatedly in the Senate
Iran's president holds talks with Pakistani premier after arrival in Islamabad for a 3