Saturday’s You Stink demonstration, whose aims are now much wider than merely the garbage crisis, drew crowds of tens of thousands, many of whom had last protested 10 years ago, in a powerful display of people power.
The Lebanese protesting now are expressing genuine grievances and rightful demands, on a whole variety of social ills and problems which the government has failed to address over the last decade. And these problems are experienced by all Lebanese, not just the ones who could show up over the weekend – many living across the country who live in poverty, and could not even afford to travel to the capital, or take time away from work.
Many were also expressing their disappointment in the March 14 coalition, which promised so much back in 2005, and left many feeling that a new future was possible.
It is imperative now for the government to listen to the protesters and heed their demands, where possible. For too long all politicians have rested on their laurels, ignoring the many, increasing problems in the country, while continuing to happily take their paycheck for little in return.
This can be an opportunity for the government, and the March 14 coalition, to realize its failings, and work out how they can better serve the population, the citizens who elect them and pay their wages. If those in positions of power do not seize this important opportunity for reflection and self-criticism, ultimately they will become the losers.
The majority of protesters are peaceful, and they are determined. They have resolve, and they believe in a better future for Lebanon, one in which citizens are treated with respect, not merely as taxpayers.
Politicians who want to do the best for their country must now either stand down or present genuine road maps for the coming months and years, and prove that they can learn from their mistakes.
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