The deputy head of the National Transitional Council in Libya is resigning.
Abdel Hafiz Ghoga told Al-Jazeera TV that he was resigning in the national interest.
Several hundred protesters stormed the NTC headquarters in Benghazi on Saturday.
Observers say it was the most serious show of anger at the new rulers since Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was ousted.
Mr Ghogha has become a focus for protesters demanding more openness from the NTC.
They accuse him of being an opportunist, who switched allegiances from the Gaddafi regime as the uprising gained strength.
''My resignation is for the benefit of the nation and is required at this stage,'' Mr Ghoga told Al-Jazeera.
''Unfortunately, the consensus has not continued to maintain the highest national interests.
''The atmosphere of deprivation and hatred has prevailed ... I do not want this atmosphere to continue and negatively affect the National Transitional Council and its performance,'' he added.
The BBC reports NTC head Mustafa Abdel Jalil spoke to protesters on Sunday and urged them to have more patience.
''There is something behind these protests that is not for the good of the country,'' he said.
''The people have not given the government enough time and the government does not have enough money.
''Maybe there are delays, but the government has only been working for two months. Give them a chance, at least two months.''
