Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) Lebanon is on the verge of economic collapse unless an "immediate solution" can be found to end days of nationwide protests that have paralyzed the country, Central Bank Governor Riad Salame told CNN in an exclusive interview Monday.

Lebanon's banks have been closed since the demonstrations, sparked by a series of proposed austerity measures including a tax on WhatsApp calls , began nearly two weeks ago.

"It's a matter of days, because the cost is heavy on the country," said Salame, who called for an immediate solution to stave off the crisis while warning of longer-term damage to investor confidence.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of the national unity government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, forcing road closures throughout the country and filling the streets of its urban centers. The demonstrations are the largest in Lebanon in almost 15 years.

Salame said Hariri "wanted to resign" but has feared leaving a "vacancy" in government. He added that the Prime Minister aimed to achieve political consensus on a new or reshuffled government in order to "satisfy the people of Lebanon, to regain a certain trust."

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