Lebanese Prime Minister resigns

Lebanese Prime Minister Said Hariri announced his resignation on Wednesday following heightened public pressure.

The prime minister announced his resignation to the President Michel Aoun, amid strong protests in the country and demanded him to step down. He also said on his national TV that he had decided to step down following the wishes of the Lebanese people.

The announcement on Tuesday came on the back of 13 days of mass protests demanding the departure of the country’s entire political elite amid growing anger over official corruption, poor public services and years of economic mismanagement.

“We have reached a deadlock and we need a shock in order to brave through the crisis,” Hariri said in a televised statement from the capital, Beirut.

“I’m heading to the presidential palace to tender the resignation of the government … This is in response to the will and demand of the thousands of Lebanese demanding change,” he added.

His address came after a group of people loyal to the Shia Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a protest camp set up by anti-government demonstrators in Beirut.

Goobjoog News