Haiti has a new prime minister

Haiti has a new prime minister
Associated Press / Dieu Nalio Chery

President Jovenel Moise has appointed Jean Henry Ceant as Haiti’s new prime minister after two days of consultation with the two branches of Parliament.

Ceant replaces Guy Lafontant, who resigned following violent protest action after the government announced an increase in petroleum products. The measure was later withdrawn.

Ceant, 62, unsuccessfully contested the 2010 and 2016 presidential elections under the banner of the political group “Renmen Ayiti.”

Under the Haiti Constitution, the president chooses a prime minister from among the members of the party having a majority in parliament.

In the absence of this majority, the president can make a choice in consultation with the President of the Senate and that of the Chamber of Deputies. In both cases, the choice must be ratified by parliament.