In a press conference held Tuesday, retired Lebanese army personnel intensified their demands for immediate salary adjustments and improved living conditions, citing years of neglect and financial marginalization.
They called on the government to act swiftly, warning of continued protests if their grievances remain unaddressed.
The retirees criticized the lack of proportional salary increases compared to those granted to other public sector employees, describing the situation as a blatant injustice.
With pensions stagnant for years and inflation soaring, many believe they are now living in poverty, despite having served in defense of the nation.
In a bid to pressure authorities, the veterans urged strong public participation in a sit-in scheduled for Thursday at Riad al-Solh Square in downtown Beirut.
Their list of demands includes a series of immediate and long-term measures:
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Implementation of Law No. 46/2017, beginning with a 50% increase in pensions paid in US dollars starting June 1, 2025, followed by 10% semiannual increases until the full 100% adjustment is achieved.
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Approval of a monthly emergency allowance of 20 million Lebanese pounds for all retired personnel, regardless of rank, to align their benefits with those of other civil servants.
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Standardization of subsidies across military and civilian sectors, including equal access to fuel vouchers and other allowances.
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Revision of end-of-service compensation for retirees who left service after 2019, to match the packages granted prior to that year.
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Increased education and healthcare allowances.
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Release of withheld retirement-related deposits, which retirees describe as critical to their survival.
The retirees are urging the Council of Ministers to draft legislation addressing these demands and submit it to Parliament without delay.
They also called on lawmakers to fulfill their responsibilities by enacting measures that ensure equity and dignity for retired members of the armed forces.
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