Lebanese Veterans Face Pension Crunch

Since Lebanon plunged into an economic crisis, its armed forces veterans from various branches have tried to have their voices heard by demanding a dignified retirement. Retired Internal Security Forces (ISF) servicemen rallied around the Lebanese Grand Serail building and the home of the caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to express their grievances against a government they believe has abandoned them.

The cabinet was supposed to discuss the 2025 budget, but the demonstrations forced the session to be postponed. On September 11, the Prime Minister shot back at the criticisms of the retired soldiers and accused them in a statement of attempting a coup:

It appears that certain organized groups, operating under the pretext of “advocating for the rights of retired military personnel,” have escalated their actions toward an attempted coup against the state and the Council of Ministers, aiming to paralyze the country entirely. The Prime Minister expresses his surprise at the ongoing protests, which falsely imply that the government's convening to address public issues is somehow criminal. These demonstrators seem to have intentionally disregarded the statement His Excellency made at the start of the session, where he emphasized: ‘As we begin reviewing the budget, we will take key decisions regarding the rights of public sector employees. Proposed increases for both current and retired civilians and military personnel are already included in the draft budget. Meanwhile, we are implementing temporary measures to provide social assistance to public sector workers until the budget is ratified by the parliament, similar measures we have already extended to both active and retired military personnel.’

During the evening, some of the protesters set fire to the roads near the caretaker prime minister’s home, located in Beirut’s luxurious Zaitunay Bay area, which is home to some of the country’s wealthy elites and politicians. 

Two retired ISF men spoke to The National Interest about their decision to protest. Their names will remain anonymous.

Speaking in Arabic, the first man said, “I am a retiree from the Internal Security Forces. Throughout my service, we carried out our duties with the understanding that, upon retirement, the state would uphold its responsibilities, providing medical care, and education for our children, and ensuring a dignified life for us and our families. Today, however, we are living in poverty and misery. Can you imagine surviving on $250 a month? We never thought we would reach this point. The state we once served has revealed itself to be run by gangs and a mafia. If it weren’t for the army and the Internal Security Forces, there would be no state at all. Even the judiciary is upheld by the military and our colleagues in service.” 

Much of their low pension is due to the economic crisis of 2019, when the Lebanese pound (lira) lost most of its value against the U.S. dollar. Up until now, the government has failed to implement reforms required to reignite sustainable economic growth that would give citizens greater purchasing power. 

The same man told TNI that staying quiet is not an option while he and his loved ones are burdened with financial problems. He also warned that if the government does not find a just solution to this massive dilemma, then the situation will intensify. 

He told TNI, “I refuse to remain silent. We cannot meet our families’ basic needs, and this is unacceptable. Escalation is inevitable, no matter how they choose to label us, as militias or whatever. We will escalate, and we call upon the people to stand in solidarity with us. I urge all sectors, especially the public sector, to join us. Our goal is not to paralyze the country, as Prime Minister Mikati’s office claims, but to demand our rights. Let them put themselves in our shoes, would they accept this situation? The state, which is meant to protect the rights of its citizens, is the very one eroding them. It’s like a mother abandoning her children. But we will not turn to theft or violence. Instead of enjoying my retirement, I now work from early morning until evening as a security guard, just to secure necessities.” 

The second retired veteran shared his views on how the state must handle its core demands. 

He commented, “We demand that the state and its corrupt ministers listen to us, our families, and our children so that we can live a dignified life. We were the ones who protected them during the war, while they enjoyed life in Monte Carlo, Paris, and France. Upon their return, they climbed on our backs, all of them. We are not ashamed to say that we stand against this failed regime, which is time to change after the past thirty years.” 

Much of the anger and resentment is a reminder that Lebanon is facing two wars: one between Israel and Hezbollah and one with itself. 

Adnan Nasser is an independent foreign policy analyst and journalist with a focus on Middle East affairs. Follow him on Twitter @Adnansoutlook29.

Image: Crop Media / Shutterstock.com.