Lebanon’s government was in crisis Sunday as key ministers resigned after the massive blast that gutted parts of the capital last week and demonstrators furious with the country’s ruling elite took to the streets for a second day.
World leaders including President Trump took part in a donors conference via video link organized by French President Emmanuel Macron. A total of $298 million was raised, according to his office. Lebanese officials have estimated the damage could amount to as much as $15 billion.
Information Minister Manal Abdel-Samad, Environment Minister Damianos Kattar, and several members of parliament stepped down. But the actions fell far short of the demands of protesters enraged at the country’s political elite.
In an indictment of Lebanon’s government, Macron has indicated assistance should go directly to the Lebanese people. Trump reaffirmed that the United States is “ready and willing” to continue providing aid to the people of Lebanon, but no new U.S. assistance was announced Sunday.
The International Monetary Fund said it was ready to “redouble efforts” to help Lebanon,
but institutions need to come together to carry out reforms a demand the Lebanese government has resisted.
During a cabinet meeting Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Hassan Diab urged ministers who were considering resigning to wait,
according to a person present who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks.
In an indictment of Lebanon’s government, Macron has indicated assistance should go directly to the Lebanese people. Trump reaffirmed that the United States is “ready and willing” to continue providing aid to the people of Lebanon, but no new U.S. assistance was announced Sunday.
