Retired military personnel have announced a series of planned road closures and blockades for Friday, May 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM, to protest the government’s failure to address their social and salary-related demands.
In a statement issued Thursday, the group described this protest as “the first wave of anger” and warned that it would be followed by intensified demonstrations, including the shutdown of public institutions and essential infrastructure. The retirees emphasized that they will continue to protest “until their demands are met.”
Frustration Grows Amid Government Silence
Tensions heightened after retirees, along with families of martyrs and war-wounded veterans, learned that the May 2 Cabinet meeting agenda would not include any discussion of their salaries. They condemned this omission as “a blatant injustice” and highlighted the unequal treatment they face compared to other public sector employees.
The group also criticized the government’s plan to allocate funding to certain categories of civil servants, excluding both active and retired military personnel. “This only exacerbates the disparity, deprivation, and injustice among different categories of employees,” their statement read.
Clear and Urgent Demands
The retired personnel are demanding:
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Immediate monthly social aid of 20 million Lebanese pounds.
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A gradual salary adjustment starting in June, equivalent to 50% of pre-2019 salary levels in dollars, followed by a 10% increase every six months.
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Reforms to end-of-service compensation.
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Equal treatment for all individuals concerned by these demands.
The retirees claim the government has neither acknowledged their requests nor initiated any form of negotiation. Faced with the government’s silence, they say they have no option but to escalate their protests.
While apologizing “to our fellow citizens for the inconvenience caused,” the retired military personnel emphasized that these actions are necessary due to “the government’s disregard for their fundamental right to a dignified life.”
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