- Widespread protests erupted across Lebanon after the government raised gasoline prices and increased VAT by 1%, sparking road blockages and demonstrations in major cities.
- The tax and price hikes were intended to fund public sector salary increases but faced immediate rejection from unions, opposition politicians, and even parties within the ruling coalition.
- Critics argue the measures are regressive, harm ordinary citizens, and reflect a failure to pursue less harmful cost-cutting or structural reforms.
- The decision has deepened political divisions, especially as it coincides with election season, and has been criticized for prioritizing financial indicators over social and economic consequences.
- Food insecurity is projected to worsen, with nearly a million people expected to face crisis or emergency conditions by mid-2026.
Source: intellinews.com
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
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