Hariri presented the resignation of his government on Tuesday afternoon, the thirteenth day of an unprecedented popular uprising against the entire political class.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has instructed resigning prime minister Saad Hariri to dispatch the country's current affairs until the formation of a new government, the presidential palace announced on Wednesday (October 30th). On Tuesday afternoon, on the thirteenth day of an unprecedented popular uprising against the entire political class, Mr. Hariri, considering that he was in a deadlock, submitted the resignation of his government. This one had been formed in January.
Mr. Hariri, 49, explained that he wanted to answer "To the will of many Lebanese who took to the streets to demand change" and called «All Lebanese (…) to protect civil peace ". His resignation was not desired by either Mr. Aoun or his powerful ally Hezbollah pro-Iranian, the only party still armed in Lebanon, whose leader Hassan Nasrallah warned against the risk of 'Chaos'.
Eight months of negotiations
The announcement of the departure of Mr. Hariri was reflected Wednesday by signs of relaxation in the streets, with the removal of most of the dams installed by the protesters. But it opens an era of political uncertainty and responds only partially to the demand of the demonstrators who claim since October 17 an institutional upheaval to get rid of leaders deemed incompetent and corrupt.
It took eight months of negotiations between the innumerable actors of Lebanese political life to form the previous cabinet. According to the press, Mr. Hariri could try to set up a renewed team, made up mostly of technocrats recognized for their competence, but he should face many political resistance. In accordance with the denominational system that governs political life in Lebanon, the post of prime minister will belong to a member of the Sunni community.
