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Lebanon protests against sectarian politics and gender discrimination
This appeared in The Millennial Source
Protests in the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon are upending national politics amidst the search for a new prime minister. Protestors have been gathering since October this year to call for an end to corrupt sectarian politics in the country. These protests have merged with a feminist movement that is seeking to bring women in the country greater representation and protection under the law.
Why are there protests?
On October 17, protests against government corruption and seeking societal reform broke out throughout the country. There had already been growing unrest within the country when the government suggested it would raise taxes to address the nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.
The protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri on October 29. A prominent Lebanese businessman, Samir Khatib, had stepped in as a candidate and was to take office on Monday, December 9. However, Khatib suddenly ended his candidacy over the weekend, leaving a vacancy that may leave room for Hariri to reassume office.
