By Staff, Agencies

The Lebanese Parliament on Friday approved the 2019 state budget after three days of heated parliamentary debate.

The budget was passed with 83 votes in favor, 17 against and one abstention.

Speaking after the bill was approved, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said "reforms need an effort" and that he understands "protesters' demands."

"But we are trying to do the impossible in a difficult situation," he added.

Hoping the 2020 budget will be passed within the constitutional timeframe, Hariri said that had it not been for the political settlement that led to Lebanese President Michel Aoun's election, there would not have been an electoral law nor a state budget.