Protesters Rally Near Parliament
Dozens of retired military personnel and public-sector employees marched from Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut toward the entrance to Parliament as the plenary session was under way, in implementation of a strike and protest action called by the Public Administration Employees League.
The protesters rejected the government’s decision to pay the retroactive portion of six salary increases in installments over one year, demanding that the amount be paid in full.
Before heading toward the entrance leading to Parliament, demonstrators gathered in Riad al-Solh Square opposite the Grand Serail, chanting slogans urging Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to reverse the government’s decision to spread the payments over installments.
At the same time, dozens of members of old-rent tenants’ committees also gathered in Riad al-Solh Square, calling for the rent law to be frozen and describing it as a displacement law affecting low-income earners.
The square also saw a gathering of families of students enrolled as free candidates, who called on the government to resolve their situation.
Protesters later blocked the road at the entrance to Parliament opposite the Beirut Municipality building, while gatherings continued at other locations, including Riad al-Solh Square.
