BEIRUT—Lebanese security forces and protesters engaged in a drawn-out standoff outside a ministry that was briefly taken over by activists Tuesday, reflecting both reluctance by authorities to decisively crack down and a lack of focus by protesters — who are determined but lacking a clear path to success.
The unexpected takeover of the ministry by a number of activists demanding the resignation of the environment minister over the country’s trash crisis left some Lebanese bewildered, wondering whether it was the right path to take. It opened the possibility of protracted instability in a fragile country already facing multiple crises.
Angry protests that suddenly erupted last month over the government’s failure to deal with the garbage crisis have evolved into the most serious anti-government demonstrations in Lebanon in years. The protesters seek to challenge a political class that has dominated Lebanon and undermined its growth since its civil war ended in 1990.
Their goal is shared by most Lebanese. But differences over the tactics used are already emerging.
“There is no coherent message coming out from the protesters,” said Salwan Issa, a 39-year-old sales manager who stayed away from Tuesday’s protest. “We all want the same things but nobody wants chaos,” he said.
