Lebanese president fails to calm protesters

Fury continues over bad economy, corruption and mismanagement

Lebanon’s president on Thursday broke his silence about the protests that have swept the country, appealing to people to ditch their demonstrations and back reform measures to save the economy.

It was President Michel Aoun’s first speech since protests erupted last Thursday, with tens of thousands of people pouring onto the streets, staging sit-ins and striking over proposed new taxes and austerity measures. There is also deep-rooted anger over corruption and mismanagement. A package of reform measures — including dramatic salary and budget cuts — was unveiled by Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday evening in response to the anger.

“The government cannot be changed in the squares,” said Aoun in a pre-recorded televised address, referring to the sit-ins. “It must happen through constitutional reforms. Let’s initiate a constructive dialogue where practical measures are taken to reach the best results. Dialogue is the best way to solution.”

Sectarianism had destroyed Lebanon and his ambition was to get rid of this sectarian mentality toward a civil state, he added. “Anyone who stole public money must be held accountable, but it is important that his community does not defend him blindly.” The reforms were a “first step” toward saving Lebanon and must be accompanied by legislation because the fight against corruption was done through laws and not by slogans and election campaigns, said the president.

Aoun called on the Lebanese people to monitor the reforms to ensure their success. “The squares are always open to you, in case of any delay or procrastination,” he said.

But people who spoke to Arab News were unconvinced by Aoun’s appeals and promises.

“We will continue with our movement and there are no negotiations with anyone before the resignation or dismissal of the current government,” activist Dr. Ziad Abdel Samad told Arab News.

“The people in the street will evaluate, accept or reject any alternative government. We want it to be a transitional government that will work on holding early parliamentary elections.” He alluded to the leaderless nature of the protests, saying the movement was nonetheless organized and featured groups with previous experience in parliamentary elections.

These groups were talking to each other and were coalescing, he added, and anyone who tried to become the leader would be rejected.

“Aoun must announce the immediate resignation of the government. We will stay in the streets despite all the pressures and difficulties. They represent the people and they have to hear people’s calls. The parties are not able to call for parallel protests, because our demands mimic the demands of the supporters of the parties and, therefore, the parties are afraid to be exposed. We are telling them that many of your supporters are protesting with us and you are terrified.”