After days of zealous protesters surging through Lebanon’s capital, nationwide, and worldwide, calling for political and economic reform in the country, Prime Minister Saad Hariri has officially stepped down. The Lebanese people were initially triggered by the government’s new plan to impose tax laws on WhatsApp messages. Although the government quickly retracted this law, sensing extreme backlash, protesters called for the resignation of the political elite, whom they blamed for the deepening economic crisis in the country. These protests quickly spread throughout the world. From Washington D.C. to Paris to Cyprus, people of all ages have taken to the streets with flags in hand, blocking roads and burning tires. In Lebanon itself, there is a close resemblance of the 2011 protests in Egypt and Tunisia, which successfully unseated four presidents.
Protests in Beirut and in many other cities have turned into sheer celebrations, with DJs, dancing, gaiety, and laughter at the prospect of leadership reform. Lebanese protesters chant at the top of their lungs, patriotically and proudly waving their flags: “The people want the downfall of the regime!”
The Internal Security Forces said over 70 people have been arrested thus far, and that number is expected to increase.
On the eve of October 18, New York City residents gathered outside of the Lebanese Consulate, waving their own flags and signs that read: Revolution Does Not Sleep and Power to the People.
“I was born in Lebanon and grew up there,” said John, a Lebanese-American protester. “I am here to protest the corruption and established political system in the hopes of establishing a better one, so that I can return to my country, use my skillsets, and am not held back any longer by a corrupted regime.”
Mira, a young Lebanese woman, said: “I am here for a united Lebanon. I’m excited to see so many Lebanese flags here tonight, and I can only hope for the same unification in my country.”
Lebanon has one of the largest public debt ratios in the world, equivalent to about 150 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Lebanese citizens have suffered a great deal of economic hardship and wealth divide from continual tax increases, resulting in numerous protests over the past several months–but recent protests are happening at a much more heightened degree.
Chief Hezbollah leader, Hasan Nasrallah, said he recognized the protests were “honest and spontaneous” but made it clear “the regime has no intention of stepping down.” Hariri’s resignation came after he claimed to have reached a dead end negotiating a new government. By defying Hezbollah, there is no certainty on what is next for the country’s leadership. The Lebanese people have made it clear they want a cabinet of independent experts to replace Hariri and guide Lebanon out of a financial crisis, secure basic needs like electricity and water, and lead them into stability and peace.
We will see what this shift in power means for the future of Lebanon and its surrounding countries. For now, the protests continue around the world, calling for peace, unity, and guaranteed reform.