Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun tells tens of thousands of protesters that an economic reform package put forth by the country’s prime minister will be the “first step” toward saving Lebanon from economic collapse.
Aoun spoke in an address to the nation earlier today, pledging to exert every effort to implement radical reform but also saying that change can only come from within state institutions.
He says freedom of transportation must be respected, urging demonstrators to remove roadblocks.
The comments were his first since protests over corruption and mismanagement erupted around the country a week ago.
Lebanese demonstrators take part in a protest against dire economic conditions in Lebanon’s southern city of Sidon on October 21, 2019. (IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP)
Aoun said that the protesters’ “call will not go unanswered,” adding he’s ready for constructive dialogue.
The protesters are taking aim at the country’s leadership, calling for the government and the president to resign.
— AP
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