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Conflict Incident Report
Joint protest against sectarian quotas outside Baabda Palace
Groups held a joint protest outside the presidential Baabda Palace, where the President, Speaker and Prime Minister met concurrently.
The various groups included the committee following up with successful applicants for Lebanon’s civil service, the IT staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, accountants in public administrations and secondary school teachers. They held a common protest demanding their ‘fair share’ outside of sectarian quotas.
Despite passing the requisite Civil Service Council exams, these applicants – though eligible for work – remain unemployed, with politicians citing the need for a sectarian balance between Christians and Muslims in the civil service as reason for the delay.
“We are demanding the three officials today find a quick solution, implement the law and constitution, and respect Article 95 which fosters the principle of merit, not favoritism, payment of bribes and sectarianism,” a statement released on behalf of protesters said, according to a report by the state-run National News Agency.