Lebanese public sector and military budget protests

Labor unrest in Lebanon has intensified regarding the 2027 draft budget and the rising cost of living. Initially, the Public Administration Employees Association announced an escalation of strikes, including mandatory work disruptions every Friday and specific strike dates in September. The association criticized the budget for failing to restore purchasing power or provide equitable bonuses and demanded increases to transportation and fuel allowances.

This discontent spread to retired military personnel, who launched protests in Beirut and other regions, including Baalbek and the highway between Batroun and Byblos. These demonstrators, including retired Brigadier General Shamel Roukoz, are demanding salary corrections and pension reforms to restore their value to pre-2019 levels. Protesters have called for a minimum wage of approximately $1,200, noting that some pensions currently range between $300 and $500.

On September 9, 2026, retired military personnel held further demonstrations in Beirut, gathering at Riad Al Solh Square near government and parliamentary buildings. During these protests, demonstrators set tires on fire and briefly bypassed security barriers. Similar actions occurred in northern and eastern areas, resulting in road closures near Baalbek and the highway between Batroun and Jbeil.

Shamel Roukoz, head of the Association of Lebanese Armed Forces Veterans, warned that if the ministerial committee fails to provide satisfactory answers regarding the funding of promised salary increases, Friday could become a ‘day of anger’ involving widespread strikes and the closure of public administrations. While a joint committee including the Director General of Finance is studying the figures, retirees maintain that the budget will not be approved until salary reforms are officially included.