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| Lebanese demonstrating and calling on the government to hold an election. |
By Faris K. Barhoum
For the last six days there have been widespread protests throughout Lebanon. The Lebanese people have been calling for elections and for the current government of Saad Hariri to step down. The regime of Saad Hariri implemented renewed reforms, in particular economic reforms to the already cash strapped nation of 6 million. Thousands of Lebanese have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations. As of Monday [October 21], Prime Minister Hariri addressed the nation and announced sweeping reforms, which was welcomed by many, although some do not think it is enough. Many in Lebanon would prefer that Prime Minister Hariri step aside and call for an election.
The reforms that were announced by Prime Minister Hariri included "a package of reforms that included a 50-percent reduction in salary for politicians and the establishment of an anti-corruption panel" (Gadzo, 20). The Lebanese people want to see the Lebanese hand over power to a transnational council that is made up of judges who do not have a political affiliation until and when a election is held and a new government is formed. The new reforms Lebanon announced came after economic measures were taken to improve the economy. In July Lebanon passed an austerity plan in the hopes of reviving the economy because many were upset with the rise in taxes. As stated by Mersiha Gadzo of Al-Jazeera.com: "Government plans to impose new taxes on tobacco, petrol and WhatsApp calls sparked the Mediterranean country's biggest protests in years, spread from Beirut to the southern cities of Tripoli and Tyre," and as a result Lebanese of all backgrounds have united and have gone into the streets to protest. The protests have been peaceful for the most part, but tense at times (Ibid, 3).
Many in Lebanon feel that the new reforms announced by Prime Minister Hariri on Monday are devoid of true change. The Lebanese government is not adequately addressing the concerns of the people in the opinion of many Lebanese, & the Lebanese people want the current government to step down in order to hold new elections. Many want to see a change in the system in Lebanon as it comes to sectarian politics. The Lebanese people believe that the sectarian political system only "creates patronage and clientelism" and many believe there must be an overhaul to the current system (Ibid, 5). Time will tell if the current reforms will lead to positive change, but the Lebanese people's wishes should be respected as it pertains to new elections and a transfer of power on the part of Prime Minister Hariri.
Article,
Gadzo, Mersiha. "'Change The System:' Lebanese Protesters Tell The Government,"
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/system-lebanese-protesters-government-
191022171257906.html 10/22/19.
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