After the “Massacre”: Demonstrations and Sit-ins

“Lebanon Debate”

The Retired Military Association has set a deadline, ending Wednesday night, July 10, for the government to initiate discussions aimed at finding acceptable solutions to their salary demands. If not, they warn of renewed protests, joined by all public sector employees and retirees. Will we witness significant movement among all those affected in the public sector?

Ibrahim Nahal, a member of the Public Administration Employees Association, stated that “the association is moving in this direction because of repeated attempts to engage the government regarding new salary scales and ranks. However, deep down, we knew it wouldn’t happen.”

In an interview with Lebanon Debate, Nahal criticized the government for delays and described recent meetings between PM Najib Mikati and Civil Service Council President Nisrine Machmouchi as mere formalities.

He highlighted, “The unsustainable economic conditions employees are facing, where recent salary increases have only mitigated a fraction (25%) of pre-crisis levels from 2019.” He cited escalating costs such as healthcare, exorbitant private school fees, and rising commodity prices and taxes, labeling the situation as dire.

Nahal underscored plans for coordinated escalation with all the affected individuals, including retired military personnel, if grievances remain unaddressed. He stressed that these actions would exert pressure on the government, describing its treatment of the public sector as a "massacre."

Regarding the timing of these protests, Nahal indicated that “it would intensify post-July 10, featuring demonstrations and sit-ins in public squares, all conducted within legal bounds.

!بعد "المجزرة"... الساحة على موعد مع تظاهرات واعتصامات