ANSD : 'Yellow vest' protest decries Lebanon living conditions

WED 27 - 11 - 2024

Date: Dec 23, 2018
Source: The Daily Star

'Yellow vest' protest decries Lebanon living conditions

BEIRUT: Thousands of protesters marched through Downtown Beirut Sunday to condemn Lebanon’s living conditions and political system, adopting the “yellow vest” protest symbol from France’s anti-government demonstrations.

The protest was called for by multiple activist groups on social media, including the Sabaa Party, amid outrage over the monthslong government formation deadlock.

Demonstrators shouted, “the people demand to overthrow the regime!” as they made their way from Martyrs’ Square, where the Lebanese Army had deployed a number of tanks, to Riad al-Solh Square.

A primary demand among the some 2,000 to 3,000 protesters was for the next government to improve the healthcare system, fight pollution and fix the economy.

“We cannot overthrow a government that is not there,” one protester said to TV cameras broadcasting live from the demonstration.

Another protester expressed frustration that politicians failed to follow through on their promise to form a government by Christmas. “We expected a government yesterday, and they told us it would be a Christmas gift.” He also lamented the results of the May elections. “We want a government of specialists, and we were given a chance in the parliamentary elections to change but many didn’t vote.”

Another protester admitted that he had accepted money to vote for one of the established political parties. “We voted because they gave us money. Hezbollah offered $100, the Amal Movement offered fuel coupons and the Future Movement offered $100. I am here because I regret [accepting] it.”

One picket sign seen in the crowd said, “Ali Baba and 128 thieves,” referring to the number of Parliament members.

“We are hungry, we cannot find jobs. We came from Bekaa and we do not have anything,” another protester said.

Social media activists had called for the protest on Facebook using a symbol of a yellow vest with a cedar tree logo, and at least one activist group dispersed yellow vests to protesters.

Mass anti-government demonstrations in France known as the “yellow vest” movement began earlier this year, and protests in a number of other countries have since adopted the symbol.

Readers Comments (0)

Add your comment

Enter the security code below*


Can't read this? Try Another.