Heated demonstrations continue in Beirut, despite formation of new Hezbollah-approved government

RT
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:55 UTC

Even after the formation of a new government in Lebanon, heated demonstrations in the streets of Beirut show no signs of slowing down, with protesters continuing to trade blows with security forces in on-and-off clashes.

The ongoing unrest comes as a new government was announced on Tuesday, following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and amid the worst economic crisis Lebanon has faced in decades. An agreement reached between Hezbollah and its allies in parliament made Hassan Diab the new prime minister, and created a fresh cabinet consisting of 20 members.

The demonstrations were sparked last year over a tax hike, but the protests have since expanded to voice discontent over government corruption and a collapsing economy, demanding an independent judiciary and the recovery of embezzled public funds.

Comment:

• World in Flames: Why Are Protests Raging Around The Globe?
• Lebanese president calls on ARMY to intervene as massive protests turn violent in Beirut
• Lebanon cancels tax hike proposals following MASSIVE protests throughout the country
• 'Tax intifada': Beirut in flames as protesters demand 'downfall of the regime' for new fees, mounting debt