Lebanon's acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday ruled out joining a government led by a Hezbollah-appointed candidate as consultations on nominating a new premier got underway. According to a statement issued by his office, the Hariri-led Future Movement announces its refusal to participate in a government headed by a candidate named by the opposition. Hariri's statement came as former premier Najib Mikati was tipped as the favourite candidate to be appointed prime minister after he secured the backing of Hezbollah, which brought down Hariri's government earlier this month. Earlier Druze leader and kingmaker Walid Junblatt announced his support for Hezbollah's coalition, further weakening Hariri. Jumblatt has 11 members of parliament with his party and his support is crucial for any party aiming to form a government. To form a government, one must have the support of at least 65 lawmakers in Lebanon's 128-seat parliament. Hezbollah and its allies have 57 seats and Hariri's coalition has 60.