Retired Lebanese military personnel protest nationwide over salary cuts amid currency crisis

BEIRUT — Following discussions of the 2025 budget by the cabinet, retired military personnel in Lebanon staged protests across various regions, demanding salary increases due to the severe devaluation of the local currency against the US Dollar.

Local media reported that in Beirut, protesters blocked roads leading to government offices, though security forces later reopened them. The demonstrators expressed frustration with the government’s stance, calling for fair wages and vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met.

In northern Lebanon, protesters gathered outside the residence of the Prime Minister in Tripoli, setting fire to rubber tires. Similar demonstrations were held in the Rashaya region, where retired military personnel from Kokba and nearby villages blocked key roads and set tires ablaze.

In response to the unrest, Prime Minister Najib Mikati accused the organized protest groups of attempting to stage a “coup” against the state and the Council of Ministers, warning that their actions could lead to a total paralysis of Lebanon.

An emergency session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Mikati, was held on Wednesday after protesters had successfully disrupted the cabinet’s previous meeting.