Thousands march in Lebanon to mark a year of protests

METALLIC MONUMENT INSTALLED AT BEIRUT BLAST SITE

Thousands marched in Lebanon’s capital yesterday to mark the first anniversary of a non- sectarian protest movement that has rocked the political elite but has yet to achieve its goal of sweeping reform.

A whirlwind of hope and despair has gripped the country in the year since protests began, as an economic crisis and a devastating port explosion two months ago pushed Lebanon deeper into decay.

Two governments have resigned since the movement started but the country’s barons remain firmly in power despite international as well as domestic pressure for change.

Thousands gathered in Martyrs’ Square and later marched towards the stricken port where a huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser exploded, killing more than 200 people, devastating swathes of the capital — a disaster widely blamed on the corruption, and incompetence of the hereditary elite.

Activists have installed a metallic monument at the site to mark the anniversary of their October 17 “revolution”.

Our demand: Removal of corrupt political class

Activists have installed a metallic monument at the site to mark the anniversary of their October 17 “revolution”.

“For a year, we have been on the streets ... and nothing has changed,” said Abed Sabbagh, a protester in his seventies. “Our demand is the removal of a corrupt political class that continues to compete for posts and seats” despite everything happening in the country, he said. Clashes later broke out between protesters and police, when a handful of demonstrators hurled stones and security forces fired tear gas to break up the crowds.

Biggest Christian party won’t back Hariri

Meanwhile, the largest Christian political party said it would not back the nomination of former Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri to lead a government to tackle a deep economic crisis, further complicating efforts to agree a new premier.

The Free Patriotic Movement, which is led by Aoun’s son- inlaw Gebran Bassil, said it could not back a political figure such as Hariri because French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal had called for a reformist government made up of and led by “specialists”.

AFP Protesters carry torches during the demonstration in Beirut.

Reuters Ametal sculpture spelling out the word “revolution” was installed during a protest near Beirut’s port, as Lebanesemarked one year since the start of nation- wide protests.