Lebanese government plans to impose new taxes on tobacco, gasoline and some social media platforms, including WhatsApp.

Hundreds of people have taken to the streets across Lebanon over the government’s plans to impose new taxes amid an economic crisis in the country.

The protests late on Thursday came as the government held discussions about the 2020 budget and proposed new taxes, including on tobacco, gasoline and some social media platforms such as Whatsapp.

Chanting “Revolution!” dozens of protesters marched near the government headquarters and parliament building in central Beirut, the Lebanese capital, where large numbers of riot police were deployed.

State-run National News Agency (NNA) said the bodyguard of an official opened fire at protesters as they tried to block the road where the convoy was passing in central Beirut.

There was no immediate word on casualties.

Public anger has simmered since parliament passed an austerity budget in July, with the aim of trimming the country’s ballooning deficit. The situation worsened last month after banks and money exchange houses rationed dollar sales, sparking fears of a currency devaluation.

The government is assessing a series of further belt-tightening measures it hopes will rescue the country’s ailing economy and secure $11bn in aid pledged by international donors last year.

It is expected to announce a series of additional tax hikes in the coming months as part of next year’s budget.

People & Power

The State of Lebanon

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