Lebanon’s information minister resigns following Beirut explosion

One of Lebanon’s highest profile members of parliament, the centrist business tycoon Neemat Frem resigned shortly afterwards, dealing another blow to the Hezbollah-aligned government.

Ms Abdel Samad said on live television that she has resigned “in response to the popular will for change”, and that she “bows in front of the spirit of those killed in the explosion”.

“I apologise to the Lebanese because we were unable to meet their aspirations. Change remained elusive, and since reality did not match the ambitions, and after the horror of the Beirut disaster, I submit my resignation from the government,” Lebanon’s National News Agency quoted her as saying.

She is the highest-ranking Lebanese official to resign since the explosion at the Beirut port which killed at least 158 people and wounded thousands more.