"No government trust": More than 200 injured in clashes in Beirut
While the government was preparing for a vote of confidence, protesters tried to block roads and prevent the entry of MPs. One of them was attacked. The new government was formed months after the protest began, which toppled al-Hariri
"No government trust": More than 200 injured in clashes in Beirut
Photo: Reuters, Edit: Shaul AdamProtesters clashed with Lebanese security forces near Beirut on Tuesday for a vote of confidence in the new government. The protesters threw stones and tried to block the way for lawmakers, succeeding in postponing the start of the rally. Later, rioters burned a bank branch downtown. More than 200 people, including MPs, were injured in clashes, which used tear gas, and some were evacuated to hospitals. The Lebanese Red Cross said 28 injured were evacuated to hospitals while 190 others were treated at the scene.
Lebanon has been in its most pressing economic and financial crisis since the end of the civil war in 1990, and the protest movement against the political elite, which began in October, continues to demonstrate even after the establishment of the new government. Special forces were deployed in the area to open the roads closed by protesters. "No confidence," some protesters shouted, in anticipation of the expected vote tonight or tomorrow.
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Hezbollah sponsors: New Lebanon government after 3 months of protest; Protesters angry today most violent in protest in Lebanon: Approximately 370 injured in clashes in Beirut youth approached the settlement fence and alarmed, Shlomi residents were forced to shut down "Weekend" peeling - the new technological magic that enriches and renews the facial skinThere is a request in the economic and financial crisis. Protesters in Beirut today (Photo: Reuters)
Protest in Beirut, Lebanon, which seeks to prevent MPs and government officials from reaching parliament for vote of confidence, February 11, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)
The protesters, who succeeded in forcing former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri to resign, attacked in the eggs and fists a car of Minister Damianus Qatar, according to military and police intervention. MP Salim Saada was also attacked in his car. "Thank goodness I'm fine, I thank everyone for their love," he said in a video posted on Twitter in which his shirt appeared bloodstained with his left eye inflated and blue.
At the same time, some government supporters attacked protesters at one of the entrances to the building in order to allow the road to be opened.
As the meeting began, Prime Minister Hassan Diab read the 16-page government statement on the economic rescue plan. The plan includes reforms in the justice system and in economic and administrative areas, as well as plans to combat corruption and reform the state financial system.
Lebanon has one of the highest debt ratios in the world, allowing more than 150% of GDP. It has worsened in recent years without economic growth and high unemployment.
"I thank everyone for their love." Protesters in Beirut today (Photo: Reuters)
Protest in Beirut, Lebanon, which seeks to prevent MPs and government officials from reaching parliament for vote of confidence, February 11, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)
In a statement read by Diab, the new prime minister said "painful" measures were needed. He sought to give his government a chance, noting that it would be difficult to rescue Lebanon from the crisis if we "came to a complete collapse." "Those who think they can survive the collapse of the economy are wrong," Diab said.
However, it is unclear whether his government will receive its international financial aid it is in dire need of, given Hizbullah's part in the government and the US scandal on it.