Lebanese Prime Minister announces resignation
of government
A demonstrator waves the Lebanese flag in front of riot
police during a protest in Beirut, August 8, 2020 (Reuters)
“Today we follow the will of the people in their
demand to hold accountable those responsible
for the disaster that has been in hiding for
seven years, and their desire for real change."
Lebanon's prime minister, Diab, announced the
government's resignation on Monday, saying
a huge explosion that devastated Beirut and
triggered public outrage was the result of
endemic corruption.
President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation
and asked Diab's government - formed in
January with the backing of Iran's powerful
Hezbollah group and its allies - to stay as a
caretaker until a new cabinet is formed, a
televised announcement said.
For many ordinary Lebanese, the explosion
was the last straw in a protracted crisis over
the collapse of the economy, corruption,
waste and dysfunctional governance, and they
have taken to the streets demanding root-and-
branch change.
"The entire regime needs to change. It will make
no difference if there is a new government,"
Joe Haddad, a Beirut engineer, told Reuters.
"We need quick elections."
of government
A demonstrator waves the Lebanese flag in front of riot
police during a protest in Beirut, August 8, 2020 (Reuters)
“Today we follow the will of the people in their
demand to hold accountable those responsible
for the disaster that has been in hiding for
seven years, and their desire for real change."
Lebanon's prime minister, Diab, announced the
government's resignation on Monday, saying
a huge explosion that devastated Beirut and
triggered public outrage was the result of
endemic corruption.
President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation
and asked Diab's government - formed in
January with the backing of Iran's powerful
Hezbollah group and its allies - to stay as a
caretaker until a new cabinet is formed, a
televised announcement said.
For many ordinary Lebanese, the explosion
was the last straw in a protracted crisis over
the collapse of the economy, corruption,
waste and dysfunctional governance, and they
have taken to the streets demanding root-and-
branch change.
"The entire regime needs to change. It will make
no difference if there is a new government,"
Joe Haddad, a Beirut engineer, told Reuters.
"We need quick elections."
Comment