What's next for Lebanon after PM's resignation?

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned in an address to the nation on Oct. 29. The resignation of his government came on the 13th day of nationwide protests and after days of deadlock as the government's ministers attempted to reshuffle the country’s cabinet. It also followed a day of violence in the streets of Beirut between security forces, demonstrators and alleged supporters of the Amal movement and Hezbollah.

The resignation was a major demand voiced by protesters. President Michel Aoun will begin negotiations with political blocs in the parliament to name a new prime minister. For the time being, however, according to political officials and analysts alike, the future of Lebanon’s leadership and economy remain unclear. A number of actors in the government had opposed Hariri leaving power, but they will all now be forced to confront not only the challenge of forming a government that satisfies all the major parties, but one that meets the demands of demonstrators and is capable of averting Lebanon's impending economic collapse.