About two million of people swarmed the streets of Lebanon over the weekend to protest governmental corruption. This is a record number of people who have taken to the streets since the so – called \u00abcedar revolution\u00bb – a mass movement for the revival of democracy in Lebanon in 2005 after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.\u00a0 The General Confederation of workers (CGT) of Lebanon supported the mass protests of the population.<\/p>\n
Anti-government demonstrations in Lebanon started on October 17, the day before the Council of Ministers meeting. The protests erupted after new taxes were announced including a $6 per month levy on the messaging application WhatsApp. People were outraged by the new taxes in the growing economic crisis. People demanded regime change and the resignation of the government.<\/p>\n
\u00abPeople cannot take it any more. There are no good schools, no electricity and no water\u00bb, – said Nader Fares, a protester in central Beirut.<\/p>\n
Lebanese protesters of all ages flooded major cities and towns nationwide. They demanded an end to corruption and the rule of the country\u2019s political elite. Protesters danced and sang in the streets, some waving Lebanese flags and chanting.<\/p>\n
\nProtests in Lebanon have begun to turn into raves as a DJ plays music from the balcony to protestors below https:\/\/t.co\/19KiHYuP0I<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XfbinsqP8o<\/a><\/p>\n
— Arab News (@arabnews) October 19, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n