Lebanon PM Hariri likely to resign, speech scheduled for 4 p.m.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri will “most probably” announce his government’s resignation on Tuesday, a senior official source from outside Hariri’s bloc told Reuters, as the country entered its 13th day of anti-government protests.

Hariri will address the nation at 4 p.m., according to Lebanese broadcaster MTV.

Al Mayadeen also reported that sources had informed them that Hariri was expected to announce his resignation.

According to Al-Arabiya, ongoing consultations are addressing the issue of “reshuffling” the government, but not changing it completely. President Michel Aoun and the Hezbollah terrorist group’s political party are refusing to “sacrifice” Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil’s position as part of the shuffle.

“Prime Minister Hariri is working on either a Cabinet reshuffle or the formation of a new government with the aim of satisfying the demonstrators,” said a parliamentary source to Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star.

“Things are going to get worse if political stances remain the same,” said sources close to Hariri to Al-Arabiya, emphasizing the protesters’ insistence on keeping roads closed. Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement, headed by Bassil, have been pushing for roads to be reopened.

A second official source also told Reuters earlier the premier is moving towards resigning. An unprecedented wave of protests has swept Lebanon for nearly two weeks, demanding the government resigns amid growing anger at political leaders accused of corruption.

Lebanese officials are attempting to discourage Hariri from resigning, according to MTV. Hariri fears the worst case scenario and this led him to his decision.

Hariri supported a political solution while other officials supported a solution based on security measures.

Protests broke out 13 days ago against a political class accused of corruption, mismanagement of state finances and pushing the country towards an economic collapse unseen since the 1975-90 civil war. Banks, schools, and many businesses have shut their doors.

Reuters contributed to this report.