Hundreds take to Beirut streets over corruption

BEIRUT: Hundreds of Lebanese took to the streets Sunday in Beirut to protest rampant corruption and poor living conditions, as anger mounts over political deadlock that has left the country without a government since May.People marched to the prime minister´s office in central Beirut to demonstrate against Lebanon´s fractious political class, widespread graft and failing public services.Some protesters sported the iconic yellow vests worn by anti-government protesters in France, adorned with a cedar tree -- Lebanon´s national symbol."There is corruption and theft of state funds," 43-year-old Hana told AFP."We are governed by a political class of corrupt thieves who rule with sectarian fanaticism," she said.Parliamentary polls in May gave Saad Hariri a new term as prime minister, but seven months on, debate still drags on over ministerial portfolios.Demonstrators demanded what they called their "most basic rights", including a reintroduction of housing loans stalled for nearly a year and more access to healthcare, water and electricity.They were met by security forces who erected a cordon in the city centre.Dozens also demonstrated in the northern city of Tripoli and in Nabatiyeh in the south.The protests came after hundreds took part in demonstrations led by Lebanon´s Communist Party last Sunday.Lebanon´s economy is on the brink of collapse and France warned this month that the country could soon miss out on a much-needed aid programme agreed in Paris earlier this year if the political deadlock continues.

from The News International - World http://bit.ly/2RigExq