A demonstration organized by the "National Federation of Trade Unions of Workers and Employees in Lebanon" took place today, Monday, from the Cola area towards Riad Al-Solh Square, joining the Communist Party's demonstration in celebration of May 1st, with participation from several Spanish unionists and foreign workers, particularly from Africa. Before the demonstration began, a speech by the head of the federation, Castro Abdullah, criticized the "subjugation of Lebanon by its government and authorities to the International Monetary Fund and its dictates," considering Lebanon as "a country that is looted and stolen, not bankrupt." He called on "labor forces, unions, and public sector employees to unite their words and positions to escalate comprehensive confrontation against the government, leading to a declaration of civil disobedience across all of Lebanon."
There were also speeches from the committee defending tenants' rights, the "Kurdish Social Movement" association, and the association of day laborers. A representative of foreign workers urged not to exploit them or look down upon them and to stop the practice of confiscating their passports by their employers.
**Lebanese Workers Make the Holiday, Not Just Celebrate It**
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri affirmed that "only the workers of Lebanon make the holiday, they do not celebrate or disrupt; their words and actions deserve a thousand greetings and bows in all fields of work." He noted that "the best congratulations to the workers on their working day is a promise of good work, tirelessly protecting their earnings and fulfilling their legitimate rights, in all that enhances their dignified lives, and first and foremost, working for Lebanon and revitalizing its constitutional institutions, preserving it as a final homeland for all its children, no matter the sacrifices."
**Mikati to Workers: We Value Your Sacrifices!**
Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati greeted workers on their day, appreciating "the sacrifices you make to maintain the state's existence and its institutions and departments. What the government has undertaken recently is merely a fraction of what you deserve, but the known limitations necessitated that the offerings be as good as possible. We all hope that, through cooperation and mutual understanding, we can reach more equitable gradual solutions that ensure you a decent living and provide you with a little of what you deserve."
The former Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, also greeted all workers on their day, writing on his official Twitter account: "Happy Labor Day to everyone, a salute to every worker... for all Lebanese seeking a homeland that befits them."
**Biream: Through Our Social and National Solidarity, We Will Overcome the Crisis**
Caretaker Minister of Labor Mustafa Biream congratulated workers on their day, stating in a statement: "We feel the difficult circumstances and the significant complexities, but we belong to a school that believes in respecting the worker and valuing work. Through our social and national solidarity, we will overcome this crisis, and together, we will build a homeland worthy of all the sacrifices made for it, a productive economy, we will confront unemployment and achieve the essence of our existence, protect our resources, invest our talents and human resources, and separate politics and its differences from social, economic, and living issues away from rivalries that leave everyone losing. We will all adopt a win/win principle so that the whole nation wins with us."
Biream concluded: "We pledge to follow up on your issues in the public and private sectors with all the strength, effort, and determination we possess, adhering to the spirit of hope that carries the signs of forthcoming good and relief that will not be delayed."
