Protests reignite the streets on Saturday
- On day 108, several marches took off from Sassine Square, the Central Bank, and the Labor Union in Beirut, under the banner of “We Won’t Pay the Price” to reject Hassan Diab’s government. They converged in front of the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) and wiped the ABL sign off the building, before continuing to Riad Solh Square.
- Demonstrators from various cities converged in Tripoli’s Rashid Karame Museum Square to show solidarity with the city’s protesters. Protesters marched through the streets decrying corruption in the political establishment, before gathering in Nour’s Square around a campfire. In Kfar Rouman, protesters gathered in the square to denounce Diab’s new government.
Demonstration against “Deal of the Century” targets US Embassy
- On Sunday, Lebanese and Palestinians groups protested in front of the Embassy of the United States in Awkar, to denounce US President’s Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century”.
- Amid heavy deployment of security forces and barbed wire, protesters burned the American flag and chanted against Trump’s plan. The right of return was among the main demands of protesters in front of the embassy.
Protests continue on Sunday, the 109th day of revolution
- More than a hundred artists and creatives participated in the “Day of Lebanese Creativity” in Martyrs’ Square in Beirut, expressing themselves through song and dance, as well as artwork and crafts which they kept on display in the square.
- In Hermel, protesters gathered in front of the municipality to demand an improvement in living conditions, and in Tripoli, protesters gathered once again in Nour Square, having constructed additional tents, to participate in an anti-corruption march in the city.
Government statement draft leaked
- A leaked draft of the government’s policy plan mentions “painful steps” as part of a “comprehensive rescue plan.” The governmental committee is expected to add the final touches on Monday before approving it.
- The 17 page draft lays out 100 day plans and 3-year roadmaps for several objectives which include interest cuts, corporatization of the public sector to lower public debt, and adopting measures to protect depositor money, with no mention of the measures.
- The draft also included an approach to solve electricity crisis by adopting the previous cabinet’s plan and increasing fees. It also included commitments to ensure an independent judiciary, fight corruption, and restore stolen funds.
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