Security forces opened water cannons on Lebanese anti-austerity protesters in the country's capital on Monday, as the government continued to hold marathon meetings to discuss severe budget cuts.
Lebanon faces a looming fiscal crisis as the economy struggles with soaring debt, rising unemployment and slow growth. The government's tightened budget and key reforms aim to unlock billions of dollars in pledged foreign assistance. But planned cuts have unleashed a wave of public discontent, amid leaks that austerity could target public wages, services and social benefits.
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Security forces opened water cannons on Lebanese anti-austerity protesters in the country's capital on Monday, as the government continued to hold marathon meetings to discuss severe budget cuts.
Protesters pushed back against police lines and set fire to tires outside the building. At least two policemen and one civilian were wounded in the scuffles.
Hariri said he hopes the government will be able to send the budget to parliament later this week.
Riot police stand guard as retired Lebanese soldiers try to remove a barbed wire barrier to advance towards the government building during a protest, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019. Lebanese security forces have opened heavy water cannons on anti-austerity protests in the capital city, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein)
Retired Lebanese soldiers clash with police during a protest in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Lebanese security forces opened water cannons on a group of protesters demonstrating against proposed cuts as the government discusses an austerity budget. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein).
Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session and struggles to reach agreement.
Riot police stand guard, as retired Lebanese soldiers burn tires during a protest in front of the government building, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019. Lebanese security forces have opened heavy water cannons on anti-austerity protests in the capital city, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein)
Protesters pushed back against police lines and set fire to tires outside the building. At least two policemen and one civilian were wounded in the scuffles.
Among those demonstrating Monday were public and private school teachers and retired officers.
The government, headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, has sought to calm nerves while also describing the upcoming budget as the most austere in Lebanon's history.
Police use a water cannon against retired army officers demonstrating in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein)
Hariri said he hopes the government will be able to send the budget to parliament later this week.
Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said the cabinet made "important progress" in discussions Sunday.
Retired Lebanese soldiers lay on the ground as police using water cannons during a protest in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein)
Riot police stand guard as retired Lebanese soldiers try to remove a barbed wire barrier to advance towards the government building during a protest, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019. Lebanese security forces have opened heavy water cannons on anti-austerity protests in the capital city, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday outside the Government House in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein)
Retired Lebanese soldiers clash with police during a protest in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, May 20, 2019, as the government faces a looming fiscal crisis. Lebanese security forces opened water cannons on a group of protesters demonstrating against proposed cuts as the government discusses an austerity budget. Over one hundred protesters gathered Monday in downtown Beirut shouting "Thieves, thieves!" as the Cabinet met for its 16th session to reach agreement on controversial budget cuts. (AP PhotoBilal Hussein).