The Lebanese took to the streets again yesterday, for the sixth day in a row, despite the radical reform measures taken by the government in an attempt to absorb the anger of demonstrators insisting on the demand of the departure of the entire political class, while the closure of banks, universities and most schools due to the unrest.
Thousands of Lebanese have gathered in the streets in various areas since the morning and worked to cut off the main roads early, while Lebanese army units tried to negotiate with the demonstrators to persuade them to open roads. The National News Agency reported that a number of roads have been reopened while protesters refused to open other roads .
In front of the Central Bank of Lebanon in Beirut, dozens of demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans "Down with the rule of the bank," in protest against the "fiscal policies in the country," saying that the banking sector, which belongs to the bulk of the state debt, is a partner in impoverishing the Lebanese. Protesters are continuing a general strike to demand the overthrow of the government and the formation of a technocratic government that is far from sectarian.
Banks, universities and the majority of schools kept their doors closed, with access inaccessible due to banditry. The Association of Banks in Lebanon said banks in the country will remain closed today, in light of the continuing unrest.
According to economists, the government's rescue plan includes radical reforms that would not have been possible had it not been for the Lebanese to move out of the various regions in an unprecedented move against the backdrop of demanding and living issues.
The Lebanese government adopted yesterday the reform measures by approving the 2020 budget with a deficit of 0.6%, and does not include imposing any new taxes. The most prominent measures are centered on reducing public expenditures and approving the implementation of reform projects mentioned in the Cedar Conference. Among the most prominent items of this plan is that the banking sector and the central bank contribute to reduce the deficit by more than five trillion pounds ($ 3.3 billion) during 2020, and increase the tax on the profits of banks, as well as a study to partial or total privatization of many public institutions and sectors, including Mobile phone, Port of Beirut, Casino Lebanon, and the lines of «Middle East Airlines».
The measures taken by the government "are technical measures that may improve the financial situation in the country, but they are not up to the challenge posed by the protesters," said Heiko Femen, an economic analyst at the International Crisis Group.
The UN Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Jan Kubic, said after the meeting of Prime Minister Saad Hariri yesterday with the International Support Group for Lebanon that the group urges the political parties in Lebanon to listen to the legitimate demands of citizens, and to work with them on solutions and then to implement these solutions. The French Foreign Ministry called for full respect for the right of all Lebanese to demonstrate and to preserve the peaceful nature of the protests.
Lebanese government adviser Nadim al-Manla said foreign donors were expected to react positively to the reforms announced by the government, adding that some political groups had proposed a cabinet reshuffle and that such a matter would be resolved within days, but not yet reached. To the point of serious debate, did not come from Prime Minister Saad Hariri, adding that the holders of Lebanese bonds will not be affected by reforms, including reducing the debt service, according to «Reuters».