Activists in Lebanon have organized a demonstration in private cars against the background of the legislative session of the Parliament, the action is associated with public discontent over the worsening economic crisis and lack of work.
So far, social networks have reported on small convoys in different parts of Beirut and its suburbs. The activists are holding the action in compliance with the rules established by the current regime of epidemiological emergency (civil mobilization) in the fight against the coronavirus. All participants are wearing medical masks, and cars are equipped with state numbers, which end with even numbers, the movement of which is allowed by the Interior Ministry only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
According to the very participants of the “people’s movement”, such an action is a continuation of the mass anti-government movement that began on October 17 against the economic policy of the authorities and corruption, which led the country into a deep financial and economic crisis, depriving a large number of citizens of their jobs and livelihoods.
A few days ago, contrary to the emergency regime, several mass demonstrations took place in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. The protesters remained in the central square even after curfews, demanding that the authorities take the necessary measures and “prevent people from starving to death”.
For its part, the Lebanese Parliament moved its meetings from Wednesday to the UNESCO Palace for health and epidemiological reasons. The reason for this was the larger space, as the room within the parliament itself is quite small.
People’s deputies today and in the next two days should consider a number of bills, including a general amnesty, laws related to the economy and financial sector, including the abolition of bank secrecy of depositors’ accounts.
The severe economic and financial crisis sparked massive anti-government demonstrations that began on 17 October, and two weeks later, amidst unrest, the Saad Hariri government resigned. Popular movements and some major political parties did not support the new ministerial composition formed in late January, led by Hassan Diyab, claiming that he was as politicized as the previous government and unable to lead the country out of the crisis.
The measures introduced by the Lebanese leadership in March to combat the coronavirus have further exacerbated social and economic tensions. The civil mobilization regime, which has been in place since 16 March, runs until 26 April. Lebanon continues to be completely isolated from the outside world, with the closure of its international airport, seaports and land borders. Public institutions, private enterprises, cafes and restaurants are not operating in the country. From 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfews have been introduced. Transport traffic is limited. The number of those infected with coronavirus, according to official data, reached 677 people.