frustrations have sparked slogans targeting Lebanon’s political class, including “You stink”, “We want accountability”, and “All of them, means all of them” — meaning no political leader would be exempt from public anger.
Last weekend, thousands gathered to vent their anger with protesters calling for “the fall of the regime”.
But violence broke out on Saturday and Sunday, with the campaign blaming “troublemakers” for the unrest which saw some protesters throw bottles and fireworks at security forces.
Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets.
To try to avoid similar unrest, authorities and the campaigns have taken a number of measures.
The Lebanese army and police will run a “joint operations room” to “guarantee the well-being of protesters” during Saturday’s protest, said Beirut governor Ziad Chebib.
The army also deployed troops around Martyrs Square while policemen were manning position inside the square, a defence official told AFP.
“You Stink” has also mobilised 500 volunteers who would coordinate with security forces to try and prevent outbreaks of violence, Thebian told AFP.
The protest movement has won support actors, singers and other artists, and has been given wide coverage from local television stations and on social networks.
Many see it as a clear change from rallies which are usually organised by political parties to push a cause in Lebanon, a country divided by deep-rooted political rivalries.
“In the past, political leaders would organise protests. But today, all communities are participating because everyone is being affected” by the trash crisis, said prominent Lebanese singer Ghassan Saliba.
Chaaban said the failure by Lebanon’s politicians to find a solution to the crisis has highlighted corruption in the country and further sparked the anger of the citizens.
Thebian urged the Lebanese people to flood the streets and make their voice heard.
“None of us have electricity or water. Take to the streets for yourself, for your children, for your country.” “You shouldn’t think twice about this,” he said.