ROUNDUP OF THE WEEK
On Labour Day, protesters chant that the country is for its workers
- Thousands of protesters gathered on Friday to denounce the country's financial situation and the depreciation of the Lebanese pound. From Tripoli and Beirut to Nabatieh, Shouf, Tyre, and Sidon, among others, protesters targeted the political class and decried their policies, chanting: "This country is for its workers, down with the capitalist ruling elite."
Fawaz Al-Samman, martyr of the revolution
- For the first time since the spread of COVID-19, thousands of protesters in Tripoli and across the country returned to the streets, blocked roads, and ignited banks in response to the depreciating Lebanese pound. The army brutally attacked and arrested protesters in Tripoli, firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and gunshots, which led to severe injuries and the death of martyr Fawaz Fouad Al-Samman on Tuesday.
Lebanon applies for the IMF program in a desperate move
- Prime Minister Hassan Diab and Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni officially applied for the International Monetary Fund's program on Friday. This came after the cabinet, on Thursday, signed off on a financial and economic plan, which aims to restructure the country's incapacitated banking and financial sectors. Meanwhile, the Association of Banks in Lebanon rejected the plan, adding that it will put forth an alternative one soon.
Salameh and Diab in an unprecedented kerfuffle
- In a televised speech on Wednesday, Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh set out to defend himself after Prime Minister Hassan Diab had accused him of a "suspicious ambiguity" which had led to the depreciation of the Lebanese pound. Salameh, in his speech, retorted that there was a targeted and unreasonable campaign against him, refusing to forgo the independence of the Central Bank.
Germany bans Hezbollah
- Germany's Federal Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that it has banned Hezbollah and designated it as a "terrorist" group. The police conducted raids throughout the country against all organizations, activities, and mosques suspected of having links to Hezbollah.
Metn drowning in garbage
- After reaching its maximum capacity, the Jdeideh landfill in the Metn area was closed Thursday night. This followed months of warning with no adequate response. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hassan Diab held a meeting on Friday with the Environment Minister and Metn's MPs and local authorities to discuss the waste crisis but no solution was reached.