Lebanon PM compares Independence Day to a 'divorced woman celebrating her anniversary'

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati has come under fire on Monday for making sexist remarks in relation to his country's 78th Independence Day.

Lebanon’s Independence Day celebrations are akin 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", Mikati told the press after a meeting with President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri marking the holiday.

"Understanding, and communication are essential," he added, probably referring to the ongoing lack of cooperation between political factions in Lebanon.

The comments were widely perceived as sexist and attracted immediate backlash on social media.

#Lebanon PM Najib Mikati compares Independence Day celebrations to “divorced woman celebrating her wedding anniversary” 😄

Nothing like sexism to mark such a special occasion

— Fatima (@fatimalmahmoud) November 22, 2021

"Mikati blames divorce on women and uses it as an analogy to settle political scores," one Twitter user said.

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!pic.twitter.com/ipXznNtHnq

— Lina Zhaim ~ لينا (@LinaZhaim) November 22, 2021

But Mikati's misfortunes on social media may be the least of his worries. The cabinet he is supposed to head has not met since 12 October amid a row over the probe into last year's deadly Beirut port blast. 

On Monday, local media reported that demonstrators had staged a sit-in in front of Mikati's residence in Tripoli to protest deteriorating living conditions and the removal of subsidies on medicine and other essential items.