Lebanon's Prime Minister-Designate Najib Mikati speaks after meeting with Lebanon's President Michel Aoun, at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon Aug. 16, 2021. (Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via Reuters)
BEIRUT — Prime Minister Najib Mikati has come under fire after saying that Lebanon’s Independence Day celebrations are similar to a “divorced woman celebrating her wedding anniversary...but let’s not forget that if she had remained understanding until her last day in the marriage, she wouldn’t be divorced. Understanding and communication is essential. ”
Here’s what we know so far:
• The premier’s comment came after his meeting with President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.
• Mikati’s comment drew immediate backlash on social media, with many describing the remark as sexist.
• “Spoken like a true misogynist: Mikati blames divorce on women and uses it as an analogy to settle political scores. This man is so predictable, except when it comes to how low he will stoop!” a Twitter user said.
• “Nothing like sexism to mark such a special occasion,” another Twitter user commented.