In pictures: Crowd erupts in joy as Lebanon PM Saad Hariri resigns

Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s express and sombre televised address was met by cheers from crowds of protesters

BEIRUT: Lebanese protesters took to streets to celebrate Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s resignation after two weeks of unprecedented nationwide protests, calling for an overhaul of a political class viewed as incompetent and corrupt.

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.

Lebanon PM Saad Hariri resigns after two weeks of mass protests

The premier's move came after days of apparently unfruitful efforts to reshuffle posts among his uneasy coalition partners and also as tension mounted on the ground between protesters and security forces bent on re-opening the country for business.

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”.

Protesters watch a television broadcast of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri speaking, in Sidon, Lebanon on Tuesday. PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: REUTERS