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BEIRUT, Oct. 19-- Nationwide demonstrations continued in Lebanon for the third consecutive day calling for major changes in the country's political system, Al Jadeed local TV channel reported. Over a million protesters took to the streets on Saturday, vowing to keep their demonstrations until the political system is changed, and calling for early parliamentary elections. Demonstrators blocked roads and burned tires, chanting slogans. "This time, it is going to be different. We are optimistic that we will be able to reach our goals," one protester said. Protesters said that the government had adopted policies that led to the deteriorating situation in the country. Nationwide protests started on Thursday in Lebanon fueled by the government's suggested plans to impose new taxes on citizens. The government is trying to pass the 2020 state budget by adopting austerity measures in a bid to reduce the budget deficit which has reached 11.4 percent of the GDP. Endorsing the 2020 state budget is one of the conditions imposed by CEDRE conference to unlock the fund of 11 billion U.S. dollars for Lebanon. However, Lebanese authorities have shown incapacity to adopt serious measures while resorting to new taxes on citizens. Also, in the last 30 years, successive governments did not opt for serious plans and strategies that would increase the treasury's revenues while reducing its expenses which led to a hike in public debt to an alarming level. | 
