Public Transportation Drivers Stage Sit-ins across Lebanon

Public transportation drivers held a sit-in on Wednesday near the mecanique centers across Lebanon protesting the increase in inspection fees on motor vehicles and a decision to privatize the Mechanical Inspection Authority.

The campaigners protested nationwide and held sit-ins near the mecanique centers in Mount Lebanon's al-Dekwaneh and Hadath, in the eastern city of Zahle, northern district of Zgharta and al-Ayrounieh.

The Union of Public Transportation Drivers protested discretion in the application of the traffic law and what they describe as a “deal” of the Mecanique (road-worthiness testing) that is set to privatize the Mechanical Inspection Authority.

Bassam Tleis, Head of the Union of Public Transportation, stressed that the protests will not stop and the Union plans escalatory steps shall the mecanique fees not be reduced.

The protesters ended their strike later but vowed to escalate measures further until their demands are met.

The Union announced that an urgent meeting will be held on Monday to determine the next steps to be taken against the decision to privatize the mechanic inspection, demanding the implementation of the new traffic law.

The called for another protest on Thursday at 10:00 am near the interior ministry.