10+ Issues Lebanese People Care About More Than Politics
On June 6th, Lebanese protesters have called to reignite the revolution that first began on October 17, 2019. The protests show that many people have put aside their political views, tired of the age-old corruption and mismanagement of the country's affairs, and they are aching for change.
The reality is that Lebanese people have a billion other problems before getting into politics. These are issues that affect everyday life, the basic functioning of beings. There are many, and here are the most relevant:
#1 Electricity
Jadaliyya
In Lebanon, 24-hour electricity is a luxury that nearly nobody has and that most residents have really forgotten how it is like. That's how long that issue has been going in the country.
People have to pay twice a month for electricity; one bill to the government and the other for backup generators.
#2 Garbage
The pungent smell of piles of soggy garbage fills the air in Lebanon. That waste management problem has been going on for over five years now, and those in charge of the country haven't somehow been able to implement a solution.
#3 Water
International Institute for Environment and Development
Despite the fact that Lebanon is wealthy with natural water - springs, rivers, lakes , waterfalls , and you name it - the Lebanese have been enduring a water problem for too long. As of yet, there has been no proper distribution of water to all parts of the country.
#4 Roads
stateofmind1.com
When you pop a tire on these roads you don’t question why, you just change the wheel and keep driving. When rainfall is abundant, you don't question why your car is swimming or suddenly floating, or where the road has (OMG!) disappeared, you just have to make your way out the best you can.
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#5 Transportation
Joseph Eid
Lebanese people deserve not to sit for hours stuck in traffic jams. In such a small country, it can’t be impossible to build an organized transportation system, like a railway along the coastline to take you from point A to point B.
Public transportation was much more developed in the past before the civil war, so why not revive that?
#6 High cost of living
Reuters
Lebanese people are suffering from an increasingly high cost of living. Due to the dollar crisis, there are price hikes on basic items at the grocery stores, clothing, rent, services, etc. The latest reports show an increase of 70% in food prices in less than seven months.
#7 Few job opportunities
LBCI
Degrees hang on the walls in Lebanese homes, serving as decor more than anything else. Many have had to leave the country in search of better jobs, but with the struggles of immigration, even that has become difficult.
According to surveys, job creation in Lebanon was rated a deplorable 4%. Furthermore, Arab Barometer reported that 95% of those who took a survey expressed that their wanted jobs were obtained through “wasta."
#8 Social security
Al-Joumhouria
Social security or “daman” is important to have in Lebanon mainly for covering medical fees. Many people have been rejected care from hospitals and some have died at hospital doors because their social security can’t even cover medical fees (which have become even more expensive with the dollar crisis).
A report from Arab Barometers revealed that a staggering 66% of those who took surveys admitted to the need of paying a bribe to obtain better healthcare services in general.