Lebanon faces social unrest amid soaring living costs

Rising living costs in Lebanon are fueling significant social unrest, with leaders warning of a potential ‘social explosion’. Beschara Asmar, chairman of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, stated that the ongoing financial burden on the population is becoming unsustainable.

Multiple sectors have announced strikes and protests to demand higher allowances and government intervention against inflation. Public sector employees have already begun striking to pressure the weakened government.

The crisis is exacerbated by soaring fuel prices. Because the state utility, Électricité du Liban, fails to provide reliable electricity, citizens rely heavily on private diesel generators. Since February, official tariffs for private generator power have increased by nearly 60 percent. Experts note that for many public sector employees, the cost of generator electricity now consumes approximately 80 percent of their monthly income. Many workers report that their salaries, often around 350 US dollars, are exhausted within the first few days or week of the month.