On 29 October Lebanese Prime Minster Saad Al-Hariri announced his resignations in a televised speech. He explained that, despite his efforts, he failed in finding solutions to the social and economic crisis of Lebanon: “the Lebanese people have waited for a decision for a political solution that stops the deterioration (of the economy). And I have tried, during this period, to find a way out, through which to listen to the voice of the people”. He also declared that “it is time for us to have a big shock to face the crisis”, without elaborating further on what he meant. The announcement came after 13 days of mobilization around the country, with Lebanese people asking for a radical change of the ruling elite. On 22 October, tensions intensified as supporters of the Shia parties Hezbollah and Amal attacked a protest camp organized by anti-government protesters in the centre of Beirut. Previously Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, spoke against Hariri’s government resignation. The protests have partly paralysed the country as a number of public institutions including schools and private businesses remained closed. Four days prior to Hariri’s resignation, the High Representative release a Declaration on behalf of the EU on latest developments in Lebanon, stressing that the “EU supports the reform objectives that Prime Minister Hariri and the Government have outlined” and encouraging the authorities to find ways to respond to aspirations of the people.