OREANDA-NEWS. Al Arabiya channel reported that Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, announced his resignation. The politician said his decision is a response to the demand of the protesters. After addressing the people, he intends to go to the President of the country Michel Aoun to satisfy his request for resignation.

On October 16, the Lebanese government approved the introduction of a tax on calls through the popular messaging service Whatsapp (0.2 US dollars a day, or 6 dollars per month) and duties on tobacco products (1.3 dollars for imported, 0.5 dollars for domestic cigarettes). The next day, the Lebanese took to the streets and blocked the main highways of the country connecting the capital Beirut with the airport and the Syrian capital Damascus. Participants in the rallies are calling for the dissolution of the government and parliament, and the holding of early elections. They also demand the abolition of the system of confessional quotas in politics, in which many see the reason for the ineffective administration. In the evening, the government announced the abolition of tax on calls over the Internet, but the rallies did not stop.

Police used water cannons and rubber bullets against protesters. The military were trying to disperse the demonstrations by force. Clashes arose between the army and the demonstrators. There are reports about injured people.

On October 21, Hariri announced reforms for resolving the crisis in the country, one of which was a 50 % reduction in the salaries of ministers, deputies, and presidents, including former ones. The government also accepted the Prime Minister’s proposal and approved a new draft budget for 2020. The authorities allocated additional 13 million dollars to the poorest families. Aoun commented on the reforms proposed by Hariri, calling them the first step toward saving the country.

On October 24, the Lebanese leader in his television address to the nation announced his readiness to meet with representatives of the demonstrators and discuss possible solutions to the situation.

Despite the announced measures, the protests continue. According to some reports, up to half of the country’s population (more than 4 million people) is taking part in them.