Tear gas used on Lebanese veterans protesting against pension loss in Beirut
Lebanese military veterans were hit with tear gas in central Beirut during a protest over their pensions losing value.
A group of about 300 retired soldiers held a demonstration outside parliament and the Prime Minister’s headquarters, where the Lebanese cabinet was meeting on Thursday.
The cabinet was discussing a number of issues, including the appointment of the deputy commander in the Lebanese Army. But the topic of military pensions was not formally on the agenda, despite it coming up in discussions.
Soon after the demonstrators clashed with security forces outside parliament, Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that another cabinet session would be held on Saturday to discuss the issue.
Security had been sent to central Beirut amid the protests as the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese Army faced off against their former comrades.
Some of the main streets leading to parliament were locked down in response to the demonstrations. At least two protesters required medical treatment after security forces fired tear gas.
Some demonstrators tried to remove barriers outside the Prime Minister’s headquarters.
Security personnel were also visibly affected by the tear gas, while nearby businesses closed their doors to stop the fumes entering.
The retired military personnel said they “refused to be silent” in the face of their deteriorating living situations, particularly given that they had served their country. They are seeking an adjustment to their pension that takes into account the rapid depreciation in its value because of the economic crisis that has devastated Lebanon since 2019.
The value of individual pensions varies depending on the exchange rate and former rank, but before 2019 a typical pension would have been more than $1,000 a month. Now it is less than $100.
The plummeting of the Lebanese pound has plunged much of the population into poverty.