Lebanon Begins Clearing Beirut, Airport Road of Political Banners

Asharq Al-Awsat

17-04-2025

Lebanese authorities have launched a sweeping campaign to remove political party flags, posters, and slogans from Beirut's streets and the main road to Rafic Hariri International Airport, in a move aimed at restoring the capital's image and promoting tourism.
The cleanup, which began early Wednesday, was ordered by Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar and Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, with municipal crews and Internal Security Forces overseeing its execution. The initiative is part of a broader government plan to improve public spaces and reflect state authority, especially in areas highly visible to visitors.
'This is about presenting a unified, civil image of Lebanon,' al-Hajjar told Asharq Al-Awsat, emphasizing that the effort aligns with the government's commitment to assert state sovereignty and support economic recovery.
'The President pledged to restore the state's authority, and that includes enhancing the appearance and functionality of our cities,' he added.
Starting from central Beirut and stretching along the airport highway, the operation targets all political symbols — including those of powerful groups like Hezbollah and the Amal Movement — as well as commercial billboards installed on public property.
Abboud confirmed that all major parties were informed of the decision and responded cooperatively. 'There's consensus that the capital and airport road should reflect the Lebanese state — not individual factions,' he said, adding that the airport zone must be safe and firmly under state control.
The campaign is also part of preparations for the upcoming summer tourism season, with expectations of increased arrivals from Arab countries, expatriates, and international visitors. Authorities have prioritized street lighting and infrastructure upgrades as part of the broader revitalization.
'In just a few months, we've gone from pleading for diesel to keep the airport running, to relighting the entire route from the city center to the terminal,' said Abboud. 'We want Beirut to look like a city of joy and openness.'
Party-related imagery placed on public property along Beirut's roads has long caused tension, often dividing neighborhoods along political lines. Security officials say the removal effort has proceeded smoothly and without resistance, marking a rare show of unity in a politically fractured country.
'The state respects everyone's right to political activity,' a security source said. 'But that no longer includes turning public space into partisan territory.'