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: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday August 07 2020, @02:40PM (3 children)
What the fuck is Macron doing there? He comes across as such a small man wannabe. "Hmmm what would a Great Man do, let me copy that because I don't have any ideas of my own. "
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Friday August 07 2020, @02:55PM (1 child)
He's French. He would like compare himself to Napoleon.
(Score: 2) by Opportunist on Friday August 07 2020, @03:59PM
It works. Napoleon was about as well liked as him in pretty much any country of the planet.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by driverless on Saturday August 08 2020, @09:24AM
Does the name "Mandat pour la Syrie et le Liban" give you any clues? Or the fact that the locals were speaking French to him?