Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri is offering his resignation after almost two weeks of protests that paralyzed the country, as the people blame authorities of corruption and of causing an economic collapse.
Hariri, who was in the office since December 2016, announced his departure during a televised address to the nation, saying he had reached a dead end. He reminded the country’s political parties that they must protect Lebanon.
The resignation went on against the resolution of Hezbollah, the prominent Lebanese group who earlier insisted that the PM should keep his post to avoid a power vacuum.
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Last week, Hariri announced anti-corruption measures and a set of economic reforms as thousands marched across the country, blocking roads and calling for a revolution. According to RT:
..the move backfired for Hariri, with people saying it wasn’t enough and remaining in streets, while his opponents in the cabinet reportedly blaming the 49-year-old PM of siding with the demonstrators.
Tensions in Beirut were high on Tuesday as Hezbollah supporters clashed with anti-government protesters, trying to tear down the tents and roadblocks they’d set up around the capital. They were the first such incidents since the start of the rallies, with police interfering to separate the sides.
Local banks have been closed for ten days now over fears that the crowds may storm them.
Lebanon remains in a profound economic crisis. The country has one of the world’s highest levels of government debt. According to IMF forecasts, the fiscal deficit will reach 9.8 percent of GDP this year and 11.5 percent in 2020.
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Last year, donors from around the world pledged approximately $11 billion in support to Lebanon, but they indicated they would only give the money after they see actual economic reforms.
Strangely, Hariri previously announced his resignation in November 2017, under extraordinary circumstances. His statement back then was made from abroad, while on a visit to Saudi Arabia. The move led to speculation that it was Riyadh that had forced him to step down, during a spike in tensions between the Saudis and Iran, which has powerful ties with Hezbollah.
Nevertheless, Hariri canceled his decision to resign as soon as he returned to Lebanon, saying that he would stay in power and try to keep the country out of international conflicts.
What a powerful example of what is possible when a group comes together and stands up for what they believe in.
