Collective Action

As Lebanon nears the end of its third week of anti-establishment protests, demonstrators have adopted a new tactic, occupying and surrounding state institutions. Lebanese have been protesting for 20 days against corruption, the squandering of public funds and the sectarian political system that has been in place for decades.Parliament was not the only state institution targeted by protesters, ministries, municipalities, telecommunication establishments were also in the loop. Protestors also targeted the upscale Zaitunay Bay area to highlight corruption and the illegal acquisition of coastal properties in Lebanon. Less than 20 percent of Lebanon’s coastline is freely accessible to the public, with many private beach resorts charging prohibitive entrance fees. Road closures are scarcer than previous days but still remain in some areas.