Lebanon’s prime minister Saad al-Hariri, submitting his letter of resignation.
It happens after 13 days of violent unrest in the country as a result of a deep economic crisis that has brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy.
at the same time, there is a general perception that the politicians are deeply corrupt.
Hariri says Tuesday that it is the political leaders ‘ responsibility is to protect Lebanon.
– Political posts come and go. Respect for the dignity and the country’s security is more important, he says.
– It has been necessary for us to accept a large shock in order to cope with this crisis. I’m on my way to Baabda Palace to submit my resignation, says Saad Hariri in a televised speech.
Sunnimuslimen and billionaire Saad al-Hariri has since January 2019 led a unity government with 30 members, where most of Lebanon’s parties are represented.
the Government was formed eight months after an election, where the Hezbollah movement won. The election of the new national assembly in may 2018 was the first in Lebanon for nine years.
Lebanon is under pressure from both the world bank and The International Monetary fund, the IMF. They believe that there is a need to implement radical economic reforms and savings.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have protested. In particular, it has been in the cities of Beirut and Tripoli, where the police have made scores of arrests.
Many demonstrators say that the government is ineffective and unable to govern.
the War in Syria has exacerbated Lebanon’s problems. Every sixth inhabitant is syrian krigsflygtning. The country is also home to many palestinian refugees.
