Prime Minister resigns following anti-government protests

Haiti’s Prime Minister on Sunday, December 14, announced his resignation after violent anti-government protests rocked the country.

Laurent Lamothe was forced to step down after protesters took to the streets to register their anger over delayed elections.

“I am leaving the post of prime minister this evening with a feeling of accomplishment,” Lamothe said in a televised announcement.

Angry citizens made calls for the country’s President, Michel Martelly and the PM to resign after the former was accused of purposely delaying elections (since 2011) to enable him rule by decree.

The government has till January, when the parliament’s mandate expires, to hold elections or the president would be required to rule by decree.

Lamothe agreed to resign after a committee set up by the president made the recommendation last week.