The announcements of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri were not enough to calm their anger. On the evening of Monday, 21 October, thousands of protesters were still in the streets of Beirut where, in the light of their mobile phone brandished in protest, they again demanded the departure of the current political class.
"We are used to the promises of Hariri," said the Lebanese to France 24. "Before the elections he promised 900,000 jobs, all promised reforms and fight against corruption.And here we are a year and a half later, what a lie. They claim to change but they are the ones who are corrupt. "
Under pressure, the government has promised a 2020 budget without additional taxes for the population, a 50% cut in the salaries of the president, ministers and MPs as well as new taxes on banks.
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"These decisions were not made for haggling, we are not trying to ask you to stop demonstrating and express your anger, it's up to you to make that decision, and no one is going to fix you. of time limit, "justified Saad Hariri during a televised speech.
In addition to these reforms, the Lebanese Prime Minister has proposed to the demonstrators "early elections". "If you (re) claim, then your choice will be respected and I, Saad Hariri, I am personally with you," he said.
The protest movement in Lebanon originated in a government tax bill on calls made via the WhatsApp app. Quickly abandoned, this project has set fire to the powder. The mobilization has grown, fed with a feeling of being fed up with corruption and lack of work, and is paralyzing a large part of the country today.