Amid growing frustration over deteriorating living conditions, the Military Retirees Movement announced a shift to a new phase of confrontation, warning of wide-ranging protests if the government fails to meet their demands.
“After exhausting all means of dialogue and peaceful expression, and facing deafening silence and humiliating disregard for our rightful demands, we announce today a new stage of struggle,” the movement said in a statement on Monday.
The retirees called on their members to take “decisive action” if the government does not immediately approve an urgent financial assistance package of LBP 20 million during its next session, along with a comprehensive review of their pension conditions.
“We have been patient for a long time and have endured the unbearable, but our patience has run out,” the statement warned, accusing successive governments of disregarding their sacrifices and abandoning military families to hunger and destitution.
From now on, the retirees said, their protests will no longer be symbolic, warning of widespread sit-ins across cities and villages until their demands are fully met.
“We are no longer asking, we are reclaiming our stolen rights,” the statement declared, stressing that if the authorities resort to the language of force, they are prepared to respond with determination and strength.
They also threatened to escalate their actions during the upcoming municipal elections and warned of possible road blockages, institutional paralysis and even civil disobedience if their grievances are not addressed.
“Let every official know that continued disregard of our rights will push us toward options that will not be in anyone’s interest,” the statement concluded.
They called for national solidarity in support of their demands, stressing that “together, we will snatch our rights.” “Let everyone prepare for days of anger that will only end with the rightful victory.”
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