Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant stands on stage during his confirmation ceremony at the National Palace, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Lafontant resigned Saturday, July 14, 2018, amid criticism for his failed attempt to increase fuel prices. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, File)
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s president says he will appoint a new prime minister as soon as possible following the resignation of the country’s second-highest official.
President Jovenel Moise said late Saturday in a television broadcast that he will “form an inclusive government whose mission will be to alleviate the misery of the Haitian people.”
Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned earlier in the weekend over his handling of a failed plan to raise the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by 38 percent to 51 percent.
At least seven people were killed and dozens of businesses were looted during riots after the government announced the price hike.
Moise said he had spoken with protesters and international organizations to find a solution, but did not say if fuel prices would still rise.
