Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab has announced the resignation of his whole cabinet.
He says the port disaster is the result of chronic corruption and the government’s decision to resign is a sign that they are heeding people’s desires for change.
Protesters try to remove a concrete wall meant to protect the Lebanese parliament building, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2020. (AP/Bilal Hussein)
“The greatest threat… is the class which rules the country, and threatens the interests of its people, spreads disunity, and deals in the blood of the Lebanese people,” Diab says.
“The tragedy is utterly indescribable. But some are living in some other time, seeking to score political points or give populist speeches… only God knows how many disasters are hiding underneath their corruption,” Diab adds.
“This class has not come to grips with the Lebanese people revolution on October 17, 2019. This was a revolution that opposed them. But they did not understand it. They continued on with their practices and concern, thinking they could avoid the Lebanese people’s desire for change and independent institutions,” he says.
“We will take a step back now,” Diab said, referring to his government, “so as to stand with the people.”
— with Aaron Boxerman
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