Lebanese Monday marched in Beirut to mark Labor Day and to demand better working conditions as the country tries to cope with the presence of 1.5 million Syrian refugees and is struggling to revive its ailing economy.
"No to corruption," one banner read.
The protest was joined by the National Federation of Workers’ and Employees’ Trade Unions (FENASOL), the Domestic Workers’ Union in Lebanon and the Lebanese Communist Party.
"We want to make our voices heard. They [politicians] are trying to steal it," a protester said.
"Change will come and we will triumph," he added.
Protesters began rallying in Beirut's Wata Mousaitbe at 11:00 a.m. before converging on Beirut's Riad al-Solh Square, where a central demonstration was held.
A little girl, who was taking part in the rally with her father, said that "workers' rights will be met."
Lebanon is currently hosting 1.5 million Syrians registered with the UNHCR, though the Lebanese government estimated numbers might be closer to 1.5 million. Such a stark population increase is at the heart of the Lebanon's concerns over the impact on the labor market.
Lebanon has been increasingly tightening residency rules for Syrian nationals. When registering residency permits, refugees must sign notarized pledges not to work in Lebanon. Some Syrians have also been asked to sign documents promising to return to their country of origin once their permit in Lebanon expires.
"We want to celebrate the occasion and remind of our rights," a protester said.
He criticized the politicians over their rift on reaching a new electoral law "to guarantee their rights."
"Where are the rights of the people, workers, and the unemployed individuals?"
