Global News

Lebanon protesters demand ‘fall of the regime’

Written by:

Michel John

Protesters across Lebanon blocked roads on Friday for a second day in demonstrations targeting the government over the worsening economic and financial situation.

In what is being described as Lebanon’s biggest protest in recent years, thousands of people gathered outside the government headquarters in central Beirut on Thursday evening, forcing the cabinet to backtrack on plans to raise a new tax on WhatsApp voice calls.

Tear gas was fired as some demonstrators and police clashed in the early hours.

“It was the last straw,” 41-year-old Rami told Al Jazeera, as men threw wood ripped from a nearby construction site onto a bonfire in the middle of the capital’s main thoroughfare.

“The people were already at the edge barely holding on. The WhatsApp issue broke whatever they were still holding on to.”

The government is assessing a series of further belt-tightening measures it hopes will rescue the country’s ailing economy and secure $11bn in aid pledged by international donors last year.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri was forced to cancel a cabinet meeting due on Friday to discuss the 2020 draft budget – with Lebanese media reporting he would instead make a speech on the protests.

A demonstrator wearing a Lebanese flag in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. The protests have taken place across the country in multiple cities. [Aziz Taher/Reuters]
A demonstrator wearing a Lebanese flag in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. The protests have taken place across the country in multiple cities. AZIZ TAHER/REUTERS
The protests led to the Lebanese cabinet to backtrack on plans to raise a new tax on WhatsApp voice calls. [Hassan Ammar/AP]
The protests led to the Lebanese cabinet to backtrack on plans to raise a new tax on WhatsApp voice calls. HASSAN AMMAR/AP
'The people were already at the edge barely holding on. The WhatsApp issue broke whatever they were still holding on to.' [Hassan Ammar/AP]
‘The people were already at the edge barely holding on. The WhatsApp issue broke whatever they were still holding on to.’ HASSAN AMMAR/AP
'It was the last straw,' 41-year-old Rami told Al Jazeera. [Mahmut Geldi/Anadolu Agency/Getty]
‘It was the last straw,’ 41-year-old Rami told Al Jazeera. MAHMUT GELDI/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY
A bystander jumps over burning tires blocking off the main road leading from southern Lebanon to Beirut. [Ali Hashisho/Reuters]
A bystander jumps over burning tires blocking off the main road leading from southern Lebanon to Beirut. ALI HASHISHO/REUTERS
Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday urged legislators to approve the 2020 budget or risk the country erupting into chaos. [Aziz Taher/Reuters]
Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday urged legislators to approve the 2020 budget or risk the country erupting into chaos. AZIZ TAHER/REUTERS
The government is assessing a series of belt-tightening steps to revive Lebanon's ailing economy. [Hassan Ammar/AP]
The government is assessing a series of belt-tightening steps to revive Lebanon’s ailing economy. HASSAN AMMAR/AP
An anti-government protester shows off his back, with 'I fight to leave' written in Arabic. [Hassan Ammar/AP]
An anti-government protester shows off his back, with ‘I fight to leave’ written in Arabic. HASSAN AMMAR/AP
Tear gas was fired as some demonstrators and police clashed in the early hours on Friday. [Ali Hashisho/Reuters]
Tear gas was fired as some demonstrators and police clashed in the early hours on Friday. ALI HASHISHO/REUTERS

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