By Nizar Bou Karroum | JE of Opinions (Arabic)
Lebanon is presently facing its most severe economic crisis to date, marked by skyrocketing prices, rampant inflation, and an ever-widening wealth gap. Despite the dire circumstances, some have criticized the Lebanese people for their apparent lack of action and failure to take to the streets and demand change. Nevertheless, the reasons for their inaction are multi-faceted and cannot be simply attributed to laziness or hopelessness.
One significant factor is the failure of the October 17th protests. These protests were widespread and inclusive, but they failed to result in any significant change. Instead, traditional political leaders were able to mobilize their supporters against the protesters and penetrate the protests to spread their own narratives and discourse. This has led to a sense of disillusionment among the Lebanese population. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Port of Beirut explosion have further exacerbated the challenges of protesting in Lebanon.
Intimidation and violence have also played a significant role in discouraging people from protesting. The use of force against peaceful demonstrators has been evident in various incidents, including the beating of protesters in front of the house of Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri multiple times and in demonstrations outside of Parliament. The goal of such violence is to discourage people from protesting, and to a certain extent, it has succeeded. As a result, many people may be hesitant to engage in protests that may not even lead to concrete change.
In addition, the economic vulnerability of many people has made it more difficult for them to participate in protests. The crisis has brought about widespread financial instability, resulting in many struggling to make ends meet. Taking time off work to protest may not be a viable option for those who cannot afford to lose a day’s wages. Some people choose to voice their dissent on social media, which may be a safer and more accessible way to express their frustration. Others may feel that protesting is pointless and will not lead to any significant change. It is clear that the crisis has deepened the already-existing economic woes of the Lebanese population, making it more challenging for them to organize and participate in protests.
The infiltration of political parties into various groups, including labor unions and syndicates, has made it more difficult for people to organize and mobilize. These groups were traditionally meant to be drivers of change and the voice of the people, but they have been co-opted by political parties, leaving few independent voices to lead the way. This has created a sense of powerlessness among the population, making it more difficult for them to effect change.
Finally, the shift in Lebanon’s demographics has been marked by a wave of young people leaving the country in search of better opportunities. This trend has led to a more conservative population that is less likely to participate in mass protests, leaving a significant void in the country’s social and political landscape. While some argue that the outmigration of young people is intentional on the part of the political establishment to quell dissent, others see it as an unintended consequence of the country’s economic and political instability. Regardless of the cause, the loss of the most active and engaged members of society has made it more challenging to mobilize people for protests, resulting in a further sense of powerlessness and frustration among those who remain in the country.
Despite the challenges, the Lebanese people have not given up hope for change. They continue to voice their frustration through various channels, including social media and online activism. It is clear that the people of Lebanon are not lazy or apathetic, but rather face significant obstacles in organizing and protesting against a government that has failed them. To bring about political change, the Lebanese people must continue to mobilize and demand accountability from their leaders. It is our hope that when the economic and financial foundations of the current regime collapse, the people of Lebanon will be ready to rebuild a society that is just and equitable for all.