The anger of the streets was heard. At least, this is what the Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab wishes to express by announcing, Monday, August 10, the resignation of his government.

In less than twenty-four hours, four ministers have already left their posts. Hassan Diab, head of government for nearly seven months, addresses the Lebanese from 7:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. GMT) to announce his decision.

The government held a meeting on Monday afternoon during which "most ministers were in favor of resigning" from the cabinet, said Vartiné Ohanian, Minister of Youth and Sports. 

A decision that comes six days after the double explosion at the port of Beirut, due to a deposit of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, which left at least 158 ​​dead and 6,000 injured.

"All means all"

The resignation of the government should not however satisfy the popular protest movement, which demands the departure of the entire political class, including President Michel Aoun. The Lebanese are called to demonstrate on Monday in front of the presidential palace of Baabda, in Beirut, to demand the resignation of the head of state.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced on Saturday that he would call for early legislative elections. But these elections are not one of the main demands of the streets, as the parliament is controlled by the traditional forces, who have developed a carefully calibrated electoral law allowing them to serve their interests. "All means all," have proclaimed the last two days the demonstrators, calling for the departure of all leaders.

The weekend protests in Beirut, which drew several thousand people, are the largest since the start of the protest movement against the economic crisis and corruption of the political elite in October.

On Sunday, international donors to Lebanon pledged to send nearly € 253 million in aid quickly and unconditionally to Beirut. But they said continued support would depend on the implementation of institutional reforms.

Read also >> "Conference for Lebanon: aid will be paid 'directly' to the population"

With AFP and Reuters

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