Hariri's speech fails to quell protests

The prime minister fails to satisfy population "who can't take it anymore". He decided on many measures, including a contribution of 5,000 billion banks to heal public debt. Salaries of parliamentarians and ministers reduced by 60%. Projects launched to support pensions and social housing. Project for five electricity production plants. But people are determined to want the resignation of the government and politicians. The demonstrations continue.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Prime Minister Saad Hariri gave a highly anticipated speech yesterday afternoon, on the back of mounting protests by the Lebanese population corruption and emptiness of politicians. The protesters had stated that if there were no resignations by  politicians, whatever he said would remain empty words.

People have esteem and tenderness for Hariri, the only Lebanese politician who has not accumulated wealth since he was in politics (after the death of his father Rafic, who was assassinated in 2005). Indeed, it is said that out of the 7 billion dollars inherited from his father, he is left with a billion and a half.

In his speech, Hariri admitted the people were right, that they had "exploded and can't take it anymore". "I do not ask you - he said - to leave the streets. This is your decision. I ask you nothing: it is you who ask and my task is to be at your service ”.

He then spoke of his proposal for the economic rescue of the country, immediately approved by the government. Thanks to the demonstrations, the state budget was approved in 72 hours, whereas before it had been blocked for months.

Saad Hariri announced very strong measures. First of all, the 2019 budget will have a deficit of 0.6%, without the imposition of any new tax. Secondly, the banks and the Central Bank will participate to reduce the state deficit with a contribution of 5100 billion Lebanese pounds by 2020, also imposing a higher tax on bank profits.

There will also be a 60% reduction in the salaries of deputies, current and past ministers; a reduction of up to 70% of the funds for the reconstruction fund, the refugee fund and for the south; reduction of 1000 billion in electricity production deficits.

Again, the adoption of a law on pensions for the elderly is planned before the end of the current year; the destination of 20 billion to support the most needy families; 160 billion for family housing.

A bill has also been decided to recover the money stolen from the state, as well as creating a body to fight corruption by the end of this year. Another point of the program provides for the control and strengthening of the fight against smuggling both in official and clandestine crossings.

The ministry for media eliminated, as well as other institutions deemed useless; the offices for electricity and civil aviation will be reorganized and the construction of five plants for the production of electricity will be launched. A loan of 12 billion from the Conference of Cedars within three months will create new jobs for young people over the next five years.

The first reactions to this huge project, decided in a few days, are not very favorable and the people want the same that all the politicians resign and will continue to demonstrate to the bitter end.

The Lebanese army remains to "protect" the safety of the protesters. It allows pedestrians to pass to events, but not cars or motorcyclists. Yesterday evening, a group of motorcyclists - perhaps members of Hezbollah or Amal - tried to break through the protesters, but were immediately blocked by the army. Hezbollah and Amal declined all responsibility.

Today many banks and schools remain closed, while protesters have announced a general strike tomorrow. Road blockade and protest continue. Meanwhile, many Lebanese communities around the world support the protests (see video).