Lebanese government resigns amid fallout from Beirut explosion
Prime Minister Hassan Diab said he and his cabinet were stepping down in response to popular demands, saying "the system of corruption is bigger than the state."
Lebanon’s government resigned today following last week’s deadly explosion and subsequent mass protests. The country’s political future is in question as it continues to face an economic crisis and the fallout from the tragic blast.
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced the resignation in a speech televised by Lebanese news outlets. He said the decision was in response to popular demands.
“We have carried the Lebanese demand of change,” said Diab. “But between us and change are very thick walls.”
The resignation of the whole cabinet, of which the prime minister is head, follows the departures of several individual ministers over the last few days. Before Diab’s announcement, Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm resigned. On Sunday, Information Minister Manal Abdul Samad and Environment Minister Demianos Qattar left their posts. Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni also reportedly prepared his resignation before Diab addressed the nation. Many members of parliament have also left office.
