Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigns after two weeks of nationwide protests

Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, has submitted his government’s resignation, bowing to nearly two weeks of unprecedented nationwide protests against corruption and sectarianism.

Mr Hariri’s express and sombre televised address was met by cheers from crowds of protesters who have remained mobilised since October 17, crippling the country to press their demands.

“It has become necessary for us to make a great shock to fix the crisis. I am going to the Baabda Palace to submit the government’s resignation,” Mr Hariri said.

He said his decision comes “in response to the will of many Lebanese who took to the streets to demand change” in protests he called “historic”.

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