The popular protests in Lebanon regained their momentum today, in the absence of an almost complete absence of electricity, a political paralysis that limits the formation of a government of specialists, and a continuous deterioration of economic conditions.
Hundreds of protesters marched in Beirut passing through the Electricity Company building to protest the permanent blackouts, then at the Association of Banks headquarters, rejecting the restrictions imposed by banks on withdrawing money, down to the city center where the parliament is located.
The protesters raised a large banner reading "The country is collapsing, we want an independent government and a rescue plan, criminals", and "We will not pay the price."
Hundreds of protesters protested in the southern city of Sidon, condemning the economic situation, as Lebanon was suffering the worst economic crisis since the civil war between 1975 and 1990, and the exchange rate of the lira in the parallel market reached 2400 pounds to the dollar, although the price is officially set at 1507 pounds.
In the Hasbaya region (southeast), dozens of protesters gathered in the tent of Souq Al-Khan, one of the popular movement tents, to confirm their adherence to their demands.
The protesters are demanding the government of non-partisan specialists, early parliamentary elections, and the departure of the rest of the ruling class, whom they accuse of corruption and incompetence.
Protesters raised Lebanese flags in the midst of patriotic chants, demanding that the corrupt be held accountable and expressing their rejection of the harsh rationing of electricity, especially in the winter season.
In light of the political paralysis, Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab stressed the continuation of his constitutional mission to form the government and follow up his contacts with everyone, according to a statement issued late Friday night.
On the basis of binding parliamentary consultations, Lebanese President Michel Aoun was charged last December 19 with Diab, who previously served as Minister of Education and Higher Education, to form a government.
The statement added that he will continue his constitutional mission to form a government that is consistent with the agreed general framework, that is, a government of miniature technocrats that secures the protection of the Lebanese in a difficult time and is consistent with their aspirations, and has a specific mission entitled: Saving the country.
Since last October 17, the protests - which forced the Saad Hariri government to resign late the same month - have taken many forms and started with massive demonstrations that have not excluded a leader or sect, and have recently focused on banks that impose severe restrictions on withdrawing money, so that it is not possible to Some of them only get $ 800 a month.