Workers are clearing away debris and makeshift barricades after a second night of unrest in Beirut. Anger has come to a head over the Lebanese
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Workers are clearing away debris and makeshift barricades after a second night of unrest in Beirut.
Anger has come to a head over the Lebanese government’s failure to resolve a crisis over rubbish collection.
Protests over trash are a glaring sign of the political paralysis in Lebanon http://t.co/fsSLWPQ25m pic.twitter.com/EDmp1fhI5a
— The New York Times (@nytimes) 24 Août 2015
For some, this reflects the wider failings of the state.
The “You Stink” campaign
Violence flared near Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s offices in central Beirut.
Thousands took to the street as part of the You Stink campaign. Some threw missiles at riot police.
Water cannon and tear gas were fired in response.
Dozens of people have been injured during the two days of unrest.
Thirty police officers were injured on Sunday, one seriously.
The government response
Destruction, chaos inevitable if no changes occur: Salam: Prime Minister Tammam Salam warned Thursday… http://t.co/UgZzm8iQtD #Lebanon
— Lebanon (@Lebanon) 20 Août 2015
Prime Minister Salam warned in a televised address that Lebanon is “heading for collapse.”
He has vowed to bring officials to account for what he described as an “excessive use of force” during protests on Saturday.
Key issues, including a tender for rubbish collection, are due to be decided at a cabinet meeting this Thursday.