Lebanon: National civil servant strike May 17

Event

Civil servants launched a nationwide strike on Friday, May 17, to denounce the draft 2019 austerity budget as the government is expected to hold a meeting on the matter at 13:30 (local time). Work stoppages were reported in the capital Beirut, as well as several other cities across the country. Protesters gathered outside the VAT building near the National museum in Beirut in the early morning hours.

Further strikes and related protests are possible in the coming days. 

Advice

Individuals in Beirut are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities