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Haiti Prime Minister Resigns

Haiti Prime Minister Resigns
Haiti Prime Minister Resigns

Prime Minister of Haiti Jack Guy Lafontant has resigned after days of violent protests against fuel price rises. In a speech in the lower house of congress in the capital Port-au-Prince, he said President Jovenel Moise had accepted his resignation, BBC reported. There had been calls for a vote of no-confidence in Lafontant in congress during the riots. At least four people were killed with shops and buildings burnt and looted. The unrest started after the government unveiled a proposal to remove fuel subsidies. This would have increased the price of petrol by 38% diesel by 47% and kerosene by 51%. The capital was immobilized and dozens of shops and businesses attacked. The government responded by suspending the reforms. In February, the country signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to carry out structural reforms to promote growth. IMF argued getting rid of the fuel subsidies would free up cash for other things like education, health and job creation. But many of the protesters accused the government of being out of touch with their economic difficulties in one of the world’s poorest countries.

 

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