Libya’s prime minister Abdullah al-Thinni has claimed he will resign, after being confronted with questions from citizens criticising his cabinet as ineffective in a television interview.

Al-Thinni has been based in the eastern city of Tobruk since his government fled Tripoli in 2014, after an armed group that set up a rival administration seized the capital.

“I officially resign and I will submit my resignation to the House of Representatives on Sunday,” Al-Thinni told Libya Channel, a private TV station.

Al-Thinni’s spokesperson, Hatem al-Araibi, later denied the prime minister had resigned. “The premier has not resigned officially,” he told Reuters news agency.

He has faced criticism for running an ineffective state in the east since losing Tripoli. Libyans are complaining about fuel shortages, a dearth of medical supplies and deteriorating security.