The clashes began between the demonstrators and the police at the parliament building in the center of Beirut, law enforcement officers used tear gas. This is reported by RIA Novosti.
The clashes began after the demonstrators began to throw stones and metal bars at the police cordons. The protesters later tried to break the barriers. The police, in turn, used tear gas and water cannons.
Earlier, activists called for a mass demonstration outside the parliament building under the slogan “Saturday of Wrath”. Columns with demonstrators from different cities arrived in the center of the Lebanese capital.
The economic and financial situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate. President Michel Aoun said in early October that the country was suffering from financial blockade and sanctions. There is also a shortage of currency in the banking sector. Suspended transfers to foreign accounts, the issuance of dollars is limited to a thousand per week, the percentage of commission for issuing foreign currency in cash is increased. Private entrepreneurs refuse to accept payment by bank transfer. At the same time, the Lebanese pound against the dollar two months ago began to fall for the first time in 30 years. Now it has reached the level of 2,400 pounds per dollar, while the Central Bank continues to maintain the previous exchange rate of 1,515 pounds.
In October, anti-government demonstrations began against this backdrop. Protesters demand economic reform and prosecution of officials involved in corruption schemes. The government of Saad Hariri resigned on October 29, but the demonstrations did not stop. The country has remained in a political vacuum for more than two months: the president has appointed a new prime minister, Hassan Diyab, but a new government that satisfies all political parties has not yet been formed.