The speech of Michel Aoun, president of Lebanon, provoked a great revolt among the ranks of the demonstrators who have held the streets for more than a week to denounce the economic situation of the country.
In a televised address, Aoun pledged to exert every effort to implement radical reform but also said that change can only come from within state institutions.
"My call to demonstrators: I am ready to meet your representatives that carry your concerns to listen to your specific demands. You will hear from us about our fears over financial collapse," said Aoun.
He told tens of thousands of protesters that an economic reform package put forth by the country's prime minister will be the "first step" toward saving Lebanon from economic collapse.
Positioning himself as in solidarity with protest grievances, he said corruption had "eaten us to the bone."
Protests in Lebanon continue for the 9th consecutive day when several streets, in Beirut and elsewhere, continue to be blocked. For its part, and despite its commitment to radical reforms, the government has still not managed to calm tensions and meet the demands of the protesters who demand the removal of the system.
For its part, the Army has deployed throughout Lebanon to open access and blocked roads. North of Beirut, the protesters opposed the Army's attempts and, despite the bad weather, they did not leave the sit-in and lay on the ground to prevent the roads from opening.
English 
العربية