Protest fury on streets of Beirut

BEIRUT, 30 Sep 2019 [Fik/News Sources]: Thousands of angry Lebanese took to the streets on Sunday to protest against corruption and a growing economic crisis.

There were demonstrations in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and northern Lebanon, demanding the overthrow of the government and President Michel Aoun.

Protesters in the capital set fire to tires and rubbish bins, and blocked roads to the airport, the Hamra neighborhood and the city center.

Fighting broke out as demonstrators tried to break through security barriers in front of the Cabinet office, and anti-riot forces pushed them back with shields and batons.

Outside Parliament, hundreds of men and women streamed in from a side street, chanting: “Government, parliament ... thieves, thieves.”

One woman said: “We toil day and night just to be able to live. They’ve starved us, stolen from us. Enough is enough.”

Another protester said: “There’s a real problem with the high cost of living. The pound is getting weaker and the central bank won’t admit it.”

Banks and money exchange houses are rationing their sales of dollars, which are used alongside the Lebanese pound in daily transactions. 

Central bank governor Riad Salame has denied that there is a currency reserve crisis, but it has become difficult to withdraw US dollars from ATMs in Beirut.

Fears of a dollar shortage have caused anxiety over a possible devaluation of the pound, leading to price increases.

Political activist Jad Dagher told Arab News: “Today was an important test to show who is with the people, and who is playing politics. The sectarian parties have exhausted all their chances and are responsible for the collapse of the nation.”