Lebanese block roads in Beirut amid economic woes

By Wassim Saifaldin
BEIRUT (AA) – Lebanese protesters blocked several roads in the capital Beirut on Monday, amid growing anger over deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

In a statement, Lebanon’s traffic control room said demonstrators burned tires and blocked roads in the capital in protest of frequent power blackouts.

Drivers also staged a protest outside the headquarters of the Interior Ministry in the Sanayeh area of Beirut to demand the cancellation of mechanics and inspection fees. They also called for reducing fuel prices.

Lebanon’s currency has taken a nosedive, losing around 70% of its value in recent months. Lira was trading on the unofficial market at 9,000 against the US dollar. It is traded for 1,507 against the US dollar on the official market.

Meanwhile, dozens of laid-off teachers staged a sit-in in front of the Ministry of Education in Beirut against what they describe as "arbitrary dismissals in educational institutions."

Lebanon is suffering from high unemployment, slow growth and one of the highest debt ratios in the world.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation in the country, with the government extending measures to curb the spread of the virus.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara