Lebanon faces multiple protests, thousands gather on the streets

Competing rallies were held in Lebanon on November 3 where thousands of protesters gathered in front of the presidential palace to support President Michel Aoun, while others gathered in downtown Beirut. The protestors aimed to sweep the country's political elite from power and called for the government to speed up the political transition following Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation. The demonstrators have also reportedly called for a general strike on Monday to pressurise the political leaders. 

President Michel Aoun further addressed his supporters, “There are lots of squares and no one should pit one against another or one demonstration against another.” He further asked his supporters to work with the anti-government demonstrators to create a non-sectarian state and to end corruption. “The people have revolted because their rights are missing,” Aoun said. “The people have lost confidence in the state and this is the big problem. We should restore the state’s confidence.” 

The protests on Sunday were one of the largest protests in Beirut. The demonstrators reportedly closed a main highway north of Beirut and other street intersections. The demonstrations continue even after the Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation from the post on Tuesday. His resignation was celebrated in Beirut, however, chaos reigned in downtown Beirut when a mob stormed into the main protest site in the city, setting fire in the area and tearing up tents. 

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Human chain against political leaders

Last week, thousands in Lebanon had also formed a human chain against political leaders blamed for corruption and steering the country towards economic collapse. According to reports, the protests have been lingering for days and until now there has been no sign of moves by the government towards a compromise with protesters whose demands include its resignation. The millers' association in Lebanon reportedly said that the wheat stocks could last just for 20 days due to problems in making foreign currency payments over the past two months due to financial strains. 

The protests started after the Lebanese government announced their plan to impose new taxes on tobacco, petrol, and WhatsApp calls. The protest is considered to be the Mediterranean country's largest gathering in years, as it continues to spread from Beirut to the southern cities of Tripoli and Tyre. Lebanon's sectarian political system has reportedly failed to offer a solution to the dire economic situation facing the country for years, which includes high youth unemployment, high-cost living, and record public debt.

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(With AP inputs)