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Haiti: Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe resigns amid protests
Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe announced early Sunday that he was resigning along with several ministers in the wake of anti-government protests and a commission’s call for him to step down.
In a speech that was delayed past midnight, Lamothe said he was leaving “with a sense of accomplishment,” adding: “This country has undergone a deep and dynamic transformation and a real change in benefit of its people.”
President Michel Martelly said earlier he accepted the findings of the commission that had recommended Lamothe’s replacement.
Martelly appointed Lamothe as prime minister in 2012, and some political analysts believe Lamothe might seek the presidency in upcoming elections.
Lamothe’s resignation complicates the current political situation because nominations for a new prime minister require approval from parliament and it is unclear whether someone would be nominated before the legislature is dissolved in January.
Lamothe was Martelly’s third nomination for prime minister during a drawn-out selection process.
Political instability would undermine confidence in the government and the confidence that the international community has in Haiti in terms of investment.
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Price has endured a growing number of demonstrations in recent weeks during which protesters have demanded the holding of elections that were expected in 2011 and the resignations of Lamothe as well as Martelly.
