PROTESTS have reignited in Lebanon as the continued political deadlock raised fears that the country is on the verge of collapse.

Roads were blockaded in southern Beirut on Thursday night as hundreds of protesters in the poor, predominantly Shia neighbourhoods burnt tyres and banged pots and pans in anger over the deepening economic crisis.

They chanted slogans condemning US imperialism for its continued sanctions which are crippling the country’s economy and pushing people into starvation.

Local journalist Mohammad told the Morning Star that the country has been “a tinderbox waiting to explode,” saying that he had been expecting “riots” for some weeks.

Protests started in October 2019 after the government proposed an increase in taxes on the WhatsApp messaging service, the most popular form of communication in Lebanon.

They soon developed into broader demands for political change and an end to the confessional parliamentary system that allocates seats based on sectarian quotas.

But the initial radical demands were sidelined as the movement was co-opted and the demonstrations faded away.

“The NGOs turned up and then the protests in Martyr’s Square became a joke. They put up a stage and there were belly dancers,” Mohammad said.

“They tried to turn it into a carnival, gutting it of radical content and depoliticising it. They obviously had lots of cash. 

“But where did it come from? You have to ask questions,” he said, insinuating that it was a deliberate effort from external forces.

A lecturer at a university in the Lebanese capital said that she had given up hope for Lebanon after initially joining “the revolution” with enthusiasm, believing it would lead to change.

“People started shooting us. Many people lost eyes, legs and injured limbs. Then the movement was co-opted by the political factions who tried to control it and steer it away from its original aims.

“I have no optimism or hope. Many of of friends and family simply left Lebanon. I will stay maybe another year and see how the situation is then. I want to stay, this is my country, my home. But we cannot go on like this,” she said.

But there seems to be no end to the political deadlock which has gripped the country since the government resigned in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion nearly one year ago.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced today that Paris and Washington will “move together to put pressure” including sanctions on those responsible for the crisis. 

Prime Minister designate Hassan Diab extended partial subsidies on fuel for a further three months today in a bid to stave off the crisis, however motorists face shortages and electricity is becoming scarce.