The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diab and the entire government of Lebanon have resigned over the devastating Beirut explosion which killed no fewer than 160 people and left over 6,000 injured.
In a brief speech that was televised, Diab said that that last week’s explosion was caused by “endemic corruption” and requested that those responsible for the deadly blast be tried.
He said: “I declare today the resignation of this government. May God protect Lebanon.” He repeated “May God protect Lebanon” three times.
Diab said he was taking “a step back” so he can stand with the people of Lebanon “and fight the battle for change alongside them.”
He blamed blamed corrupt politicians who ruled before him for the “earthquake” that hit Lebanon.
He said: “They (political class) should have been ashamed of themselves because their corruption is what has led to this disaster that had been hidden for seven years.
“Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years, and their desire for real change. In the face of this reality … I am announcing today the resignation of this government.”
The government has been under growing pressure with demonstrators asking for political change after the explosion in Beirut.
