The Lebanese government, as CNN reported , resigned this Monday (August 10th), less than a week after the massive explosion in Beirut that killed more than 160 people and sparked violent protests. Prime Minister Hassan Diab addressed the nation announcing his resignation and that of the government following the blast, which he called a "catastrophe beyond measure."
In his speech, Diab criticized the ruling elite for fomenting "the apparatus of corruption greater than the state itself." "We have fought with courage and dignity," he said, referring to cabinet members. "There is a big barrier between us and change," Diab said.
Hassan Diab, a self-proclaimed reformer, came to power last December, two months after a popular uprising toppled the previous government. His government was backed by major political parties, including Iran's political and militant group Hezbollah. Three cabinet ministers had previously left, along with seven members of parliament.
Meanwhile UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a "credible and transparent" investigation into the blast. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a conference of international donors on Sunday. Donald Trump and 15 other leaders were present and pledged nearly $ 300 million in aid to Lebanon.
The Lebanese currency has lost 70% of its value since government protests began in October. Poverty has risen and the World Bank predicts that more than half of the country’s population will be impoverished by 2020.
Source: CNN
