Lebanese lawmakers recently >approved several new taxes and levies that include a 1 percent increase to the value-added tax (VAT). Previously, the VAT tax stood at 10 percent.
The raise came as the government seeks to fund the wage scale that would offer public sector workers - including teachers - greater salary packages.
But it also means that prices of daily purchases and the daily cost of living will increase.
This is why dozens gathered outside Parliament in Beirut's Riad al-Solh Square on Thursday to protest the new bill, decrying corruption and what they viewed as unwarranted tax increases.
Other areas across the country, including Tripoli in the north, and Saida in the south, saw hundreds rallying against the tax increases as well.
More protests are expected to follow this Saturday and Sunday.
If you're wondering why many are taking to the streets, Lebanese people are providing you with their answers on Twitter under the hashtag 'Why I'm Protesting' (ليش_نازل_تتظاهر).
For many it really boils down to injustice.
It's time people's voices are heard
"Maybe it will force our corrupt leaders to change"
Then you have those warriors ... who live for the smell of the fight
"Because if we don't take action, we won't see change"
Because there are thousands suffering "economically" in the country
"I'm protesting because increasing taxes in a country that has seen thousands suffer from the poor economic situation - due to the presence of corruption at the highest levels - is unacceptable"
"Because I have demands that must be met"
“My salary stands at $500, an apartment costs $100,000 and prices are only increasing… I'll be an idiot if I don't protest"
"Because we are not sheep"
The classic: "3ashen heik"
What are the stakes?
According to a 2009 UNDP study, it was revealed that even a slight increase to the VAT tax will effectively impact thousands of people in the country, particularly the middle class and households living just above the poverty line.
Overall poverty in Lebanon, which stood at 30 percent at the time, is projected to increase to 35 and even 50 percent.
The number of people living under the poverty line in Lebanon has risen by 66 percent since 2011, a more recent report by >Oxfam has revealed.
Similarly, the World Bank estimates that approximately 170,000 Lebanese became poor between 2011 and 2014.
Also, 350,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon are estimated to be unable to meet their minimum survival requirements and another 350,000 Lebanese live on less than $1 per day.