Public Transport Drivers Protest against Privatization of Automotive Inspection Authority
Public Tranport drivers staged nationwide protests as they started gathering early on Thursday in several points across Lebanon to kick off a rally that will head to Riyad al-Solh square in Down Town Beirut, and to the Grand Serails in other districts, the National News Agency reported.
The campaigners headed to the gathering points at 6:00 am as they demand that the automotive inspection authority is restored to the public sector after a deal that could see its privatization.
Security sources deployed heavily across Lebanon.
Several roads and highways were blocked triggering heavy traffic.
Head of the Union of Public Drivers Bassam Tleis stressed that the protests will continue if the the automotive inspection was not reclaimed by the Lebanese state.
“The protest came in line with the cabinet session. We meant to hold this protest in a bid to push officials to resolve the ordeals of the transportation sector," Tleis said, confirming that mechanique services centers will remain closed until the union's demands are fulfilled.
"We will not stop for as long as there are institutions breaching the law," he added.
Due to the protests and road blockages, some schools in Beirut closed their doors for the day.
Source: Naharnet
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