In the wake of the record rise in fuel prices, under the pretext of the rise in global oil prices, a wave of popular and sectoral rejection escalated, represented by the position of the head of the Federation of Land Transport Syndicates, Bassam Tlais, who gave the government until next Wednesday to implement previous agreements, at the forefront of which is the payment of compensation and dues to public drivers.
In light of this warning, questions are mounting about the nature of the Union’s expected steps on Wednesday, and whether matters will move towards blocking roads and paralyzing traffic in the country, or will be limited to limited protests and sit-ins resembling a “mini-revolution” in the street.
According to information from the “Lebanon Debate” website, the expiration of the government deadline will not witness a direct field escalation in its first phase. Tlais is scheduled to hold a press conference in which he will reveal the details and road map of the upcoming moves.
The sources indicated that all options remained open to Talis during the press conference, especially in light of the harsh pressures imposed by the continuing high cost of fuel on the purchasing power of drivers, and the failure of official authorities to implement agreed-upon promises and procedures.
The sources do not rule out that the Union will resort to the option of closing roads or organizing large movements if the government fails to respond to the demands, despite the Land Transport Command confirming its keenness not to burden citizens with additional burdens, while being fully aware that any disruption to transport movement will reflect negatively on various segments of Lebanese society.
Accordingly, Wednesday constitutes a turning point, the features of which remain dependent on what Bassam Tlais will announce in his press conference, awaiting whether the government will succeed in containing the crisis early, or whether the Lebanese street is heading towards a new chapter of protests under the weight of the fuel crisis.
