Lebanon: Protests continue despite PM Hariri announcing reform package

Despite an announcement by the Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri regarding economic reform measures, thousands of demonstrators gathered for the sixth consecutive day in downtown Beirut on October 22. PM Hariri announced package reforms that included a 50% reduction in salary for politicians and the establishment of the anti-corruption pane. However, the protesters called for the resignation of the government altogether. They reportedly claimed that they want to see power handed over to a transitional council made up of judges with no politician's affiliation until elections are held. 

The protests started after the Lebanese government announced their plan to impose new taxes on tobacco, petrol and WhatsApp calls. The protest is considered to be the Mediterranean country's largest gathering in years, as it continues to spread from Beirut to the southern cities of Tripoli and Tyre. Lebanon's sectarian political system has reportedly failed to offer a solution to the dire economic situation facing the country for years, which includes high youth unemployment, high-cost living and record public debt. 

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The reform package

On Monday, October 21, Lebanese PM Hariri announced a reform package in an attempt to calm the public anger. Leader of a coalition government battling sectarian and political rivalries Hariri granted his coalition partners a 72-hour deadline on Friday to agree on reforms that can dissipate crises hinting that he may resign otherwise. He announced the same on Twitter which in English reads: 72 hours. Hariri accused his opponents of causing hindrance in his reform measures which can help unlock $11 billion in Western donor pledges and help avert economic collapse.

The reforms will require decisions of cutting salaries of current and former Presidents, Ministers, and MPs by 50% and cuts in benefits to State institutions and officials. It also requires Central and private banks to contribute $3.3 billion for a near-zero deficit goal as part of the 2020 budget. The plan also includes privatising the telecom sector and an overhaul of the pricey but crumbling electricity sector which is a threat to the country's diminished finances. According to reports, the Cabinet met at noon on Monday, October 21, at the presidential palace to approve the reform package. 

(With agency inputs)

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