Lebanon Looks Like ‘Sinking Ship’: Berri

Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri said on Monday that Lebanon is like a ship that will sink unless proper actions are taken, referring to the severe economic and political crisis in the country.

Lebanese national newspaper “al-Joumhuria” cited Berri as saying, “The country is like a ship which is sinking little by little.”

“If we don't take the necessary steps, it will sink entirely," he added.

Moreover, Al-Nahar newspaper quoted him as comparing the Lebanese people’s situation to that of passengers on the Titanic ship sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg.

Tens of thousands of Lebanese took to the streets in cities and towns across the country to demand a  complete overhaul of the political class.

Demonstrators have accused political leaders of corruption, demanding social and economic reforms as well as sufficient basic services.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned on October 29 following weeks of protests.

The political crisis grew worse after the former finance minister Mohammad Safadi withdrew his name from consideration for prime minister.

In an official statement, Safadi announced that the outgoing Prime Minister Sa'ad al-Hariri should be re-appointed to the post.

The protests in Lebanon have been violence-free compared to other parts of the world. Military officials patrolled the streets but have said they will not stop the demonstrations.