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Chants of 'revolution' in Beirut as France's Macron is mobbed by angry crowds
Large crowds mobbed French President Emmanuel Macron in Beirut as he toured a neighborhood of the Lebanese capital devastated by Tuesday's massive explosion.
"Revolution, revolution!" people chanted, as shock at the devastation in the city gave way to anger on Thursday. New information reveals that Beirut officials had ignored repeated warnings about a stockpile of dangerous chemicals linked to the blast that has killed 137 people and injured 5,000.
Macron told a crowd of reporters and angry people that he would propose a "new political pact" to Lebanon's embattled political class during his visit to a predominantly Christian quarter of the city.
"The people want the fall of the regime," the protesters shouted, echoing calls for the downfall of Lebanon's long-time political elite that were popularized during a nationwide uprising late last year. "Michel Aoun is a terrorist! Help us," one man pleaded, referring to the Lebanese president. One woman screamed inaudible words inches away from Macron's face. "They are terrorists," came the repeated cries.
Most people were masked, including the French president, who removed his face covering to speak to the press. There was no social distancing.
Previously: Beirut Explosion Kills Over 100, Linked to 2,700 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate in Port Warehouse
(Score: 2) by looorg on Friday August 07 2020, @01:27PM (1 child)
It probably isn't in the interest of France either, most of the old colonies just didn't work out all that well in the end.
(Score: 2) by Grishnakh on Saturday August 08 2020, @04:17AM
No, the original idea was to basically plunder their resources, but after the resources were depleted and the world mostly got this idea about "human rights", colonies became only a liability and cost.
It's kinda like taking over someone's house: if you just kill the homeowner and sell off all his stuff, you can make a profit. But if instead you try to take care of the homeowner after selling his most valuable assets on Ebay, and assist him in getting an education and a better job, it's most likely just going to end up costing you money, plus a lot of time and effort.