Lebanon Banking Crisis: MPs, Depositors and the Fight for Access to Savings

During a turbulent week in Lebanon, a wave of unrest unfolded as depositors pressed for access to their savings in major banks. Among the most notable events was an incident involving a newly elected Lebanese legislator, Cynthia Zarazir, who has served in parliament since last May. She entered a Byblos Bank branch unarmed with the stated aim of securing $8,500 to cover a medical operation. The act drew immediate attention as she was accompanied by two lawyers, journalists, and photographers, and the drama took place at the Antelias branch, just north of Beirut. Zarazir later explained to Reuters that she had been waiting days for a response from the bank and felt compelled to act after reaching a breaking point, describing herself as a citizen rather than a political figure in that moment, and stating her goal was to retrieve funds needed for the surgery.