Lebanese Prime Minister threatens to quit as violence erupts in Beirut

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Lebanese Prime Minister threatens to quit as violence erupts in Beirut with 30 security officers left injured after clash with protesters

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has threatened to quit
Rubbish crisis has led to large scale demonstrations in downtown Beirut
30 security officers were reportedly injured and one protester is thought to be fighting for his life in hospital after violent scenes

Published: 17:12 EST, 23 August 2015 | Updated: 19:10 EST, 23 August 2015

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Protests against the Lebanese government turned violent for a second day as Prime Minister Tammam Salam threatened to resign after the cabinet failed to resolve the garbage crisis.

The news comes as around 30 police officers were injured in ugly scenes of violence. Security forces have since closed off downtown Beirut in a bid to stem the protesters.

Activists on social media have claimed that the clashes in Beirut have left one man fighting for his life in the main hospital in the city.

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Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said that if a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday was not productive on issues including a tender to decide on a new refuse collection company, 'there would be no necessity for the government after it'

Defiant: Protesters gather behind a lard piece of wood in order to evade the powerful blast of the water cannon

Ready for action: One young activists wears the Lebanese flag around his face to mask his identity

Speaking in a televised address, Prime Minister Tammam Salam warned that Lebanon was headed towards collapse and that a bigger problem than the trash crisis was the country's 'political garbage'.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Beirut this weekend as part of the 'You Stink' campaign directed at the government.

Water cannon and tear gas were fired at protesters, and demonstrators threw rocks and sticks at riot police as violence flared near Salam's offices in central Beirut.

Security forces fired into the air, clouds of tear gas wafted through the streets and shop fronts were smashed as police tried to force protesters from the area.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Beirut this weekend as part of the 'You Stink' campaign directed at the government

As many as 30 police officers were reportedly injured following clashes with protesters in Beirut

Standing guard: One activist is reportedly in hospital, currently in a serious condition after the violence

'The people want the downfall of the regime,' chanted protesters. The National News Agency said petrol bombs were thrown at security forces.

Similar scenes unfolded last night, leaving dozens of people injured over the two days.

'Our issue is recovering all our rights - electricity, water and the rubbish we want removed from the streets,' activist Ahmed Qubaisi told Reuters.

Salam, 70, has often expressed frustration at the failings of his government, which brings together the main Lebanese parties, including the Sunni-led Future Movement of Saad al-Hariri, Shi'ite Hezbollah and rival Christian parties.

The Salam government was formed with the blessing of rival regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia, which exercise influence over rival Lebanese leaders.

Salam said that if a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday was not productive on issues including a tender to decide on a new refuse collection company, 'there would be no necessity for the government after it'.

A police motorcycle burns as Lebanese activists protest against the ongoing trash crisis in downtown Beirut

Lebanese protesters hide, from water cannons, behind a wooden plank during clashes with riot police

New York-based Human Rights Watch said police had failed to uphold human rights standards and urged an investigation

Speaking in a televised address, Prime Minister Tammam Salam warned that Lebanon was headed towards collapse and that a bigger problem than the trash crisis was the country's 'political garbage'

'The people want the downfall of the regime,' chanted protesters. The National News Agency said petrol bombs were thrown at security forces

'I warn that we are going towards collapse if matters continue,' Salam said. 'Frankly, I have not and will not be a partner in this collapse. Let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities.'

Should Salam resign, a caretaker government would stay on. His resignation would however trigger a constitutional crisis. In Lebanon, it is the president who appoints the prime minister.

But the presidency has been vacant since Michel Suleiman's term expired more than a year ago, and filling it requires a political deal many believe can only be brokered by Iran and Saudi Arabia.

'The trash is the straw that broke the camel's back, but the story is much bigger than this straw. It is the story of the political garbage in the country,' Salam said.

He warned the heavily indebted government would be unable to pay salaries next month. Unable to issue new debt, Lebanon risked being classified 'among the failing states'.

The country's public debt currently stands at about 143 percent of gross domestic product, a government source said.

Salam vowed to bring to account officials responsible for what he described as an excessive use of force on Saturday.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said police had failed to uphold human rights standards and urged an investigation.

The trash crisis began last month when the main refuse tip for Beirut was closed, with no ready alternative. While collection has resumed, no solution has been found.