The anger of the Lebanese in the face of an economic crisis that drags on on the eve of the legislative elections

2022-05-14T14:13:14.550Z

The Lebanese must renew the 128 deputies of Parliament, this Sunday, May 15. In the country's politico-confessional system, most of the major formations hope to maintain themselves, despite…

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The anger of the Lebanese in the face of an economic crisis that drags on on the eve of the legislative elections

Audio 01:08

Lebanese people queuing at the bank to withdraw money on June 2, 2021 in Beirut, when the country was already undergoing a major economic crisis.

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The Lebanese must renew the 128 deputies of Parliament, this Sunday, May 15.

In the country's politico-confessional system, most of the big parties hope to hold on, despite the appearance of independent lists hoping to make a breakthrough.

The election takes place against the backdrop of a serious economic and social crisis when 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.

With our special correspondent in Beirut,

Nicolas Falez

A long queue stretches out in front of a bank branch in Beirut, a scene of daily life in Lebanon.

They held our money in the bank and we have to come and queue every day to withdraw small amounts that we need to survive

," said a woman in line.

Indignation and resignation

The Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value and banks only allow their customers extremely limited access to their own money.

In the queue, some say they hope for a change after Sunday's elections, but many on the contrary are resigned.

“

Even if we vote, it is useless, the same parties will always have the majority.
What interests them is their pockets!
The people don't interest them

,” one man complains.

Another woman continues: “

Let them take these corrupt people away from us and we can live freely.
As long as there are corrupt people, is there a magic wand that will change the country, I don't think.

The losses of the Lebanese financial sector are estimated at 69 billion dollars.

The Parliament to be elected on Sunday is expected to adopt laws reforming the banking sector.

We will vote hoping for change.

I think it's difficult because there are a lot of very strong political parties that have money.

We hope for change, but I think it will be very difficult.

Testimony of a Lebanese woman who expects change, without really believing in it

Nicolas Falez

► To read also: Report - In Lebanon, meeting an "electoral key", an intermediary who pays voters

The anger of the Lebanese in the face of an economic crisis that drags on on the eve of the legislative elections

The anger of the Lebanese in the face of an economic crisis that drags on on the eve of the legislative elections

Indignation and resignation

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