Protests continue for 6th day despite economic reform plan announced by govt in Lebanon

In Lebanon, protesters took to the streets for a sixth day on Monday despite an economic reform plan announced by the government. Banks, schools and universities remained shut yesterday. 

The protesters have declared a general strike, sending a clear signal they reject the measures Prime Minister Saad Hariri's government agreed upon yesterday. According to local media, demonstrators gathered outside the premises of the Central Bank of Lebanon in the capital Beirut to denounce the wrong economic policies.

Prime



Minister Hariri announced a package of economic reforms in an attempt to quell the mass protests and growing anger against his cabinet. Among the reforms is a 50-per cent reduction in salary for former and current politicians and ministers, the abolishment of the Ministry of Information and a number of other state institutions and the establishment of an anti-corruption panel.

Mass protests erupted across Lebanon last week against plans to tax calls on Whatsapp and other messaging services.