BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri submitted his resignation on Tuesday in response to widespread protests against the country’s leaders.
In a TV address to the nation Hariri said he had reached a “dead end,” and that he would submit his resignation to President Michel Aoun.
Lebanon has been rocked by demonstrations against corruption and the countries political leaders.
On Monday violence erupted when a mob loyal to Hezbollah and Amal attacked and destroyed a protest camp set up by anti-government demonstrators in Beirut.
“For 13 days the Lebanese people have waited for a decision for a political solution that stops the deterioration (of the economy). And I have tried, during this period, to find a way out, through which to listen to the voice of the people,” Hariri said.
“It is time for us to have a big shock to face the crisis. I am going to the Baabda (presidential) palace to present the resignation of the government. To all partners in political life, our responsibility today is how we protect Lebanon and revive its economy.”
The turmoil has deepened Lebanon’s acute economic crisis.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said last week roads closed by protesters should be reopened and suggested the demonstrators were financed by its foreign enemies and implementing their agenda.
It is the most serious strife on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri.
