Protests Return to Lebanon Streets after the Holidays Break

After the holidays break and relative quiet, demonstrations against the political class and dire economic conditions in Lebanon returned on Friday as protesters expressed anger against corruption and mismanagement.

Scuffles erupted early Friday between the Lebanese army and protesters blocking the Nahr al-Kalb highway. The protesters vowed to escalate protests after the holidays, expressing ire against a much-delayed formation of a new government.

Lebanon is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, while protests against corruption and mismanagement have gripped the country since October 17.

A group of protesters blocked Nahr al-Kalb, a vital highway that links Beirut and the north of the country, in the early morning hours using burned tyres and metal barriers.

A video circulated on social media showed protesters sitting in the middle of the highway grabbed by soldiers and pushed off the road.

Protesters have also briefly blocked highways in Aley, Jiyyeh, Halba-Akkar, Tripoli and Bekaa.

Protesters have also been holding sit-ins inside banks protesting the banking policies and unprecedented capital controls amid a deepening economic and confidence crisis.

The protesters have also organized a campaign called "we are not paying" asking depositors not to pay their loans amid the tight capital controls.

Lebanese officials have asked foreign countries and financial institutions to help secure needed capital for imports. Donors have called for major reforms before extending help — a request that will likely be delayed amid infighting between political groups over the shape of a new government.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned on Oct. 29 and continues in a caretaker capacity.

The prime minister designate, Hassan Diab, was named on Dec. 19, and is backed by Hizbulah and its allies. However, he has failed to win the backing of the main Sunni Muslim groups.

Some protesters have also rejected him, saying he is still part of the ruling elite they accuse of corruption.