Retired military officers on Friday slammed the government's draft budget for cutting their pensions and imposing taxes on them, setting up a tent at the Riad Al-Solh Square as a protest action.

"The dignity tent will serve as a platform to defend the people's rights," the veterans said.

“After the officials insisted on imposing taxes on the retired officers while trying to cut pensions as a reward for their lifelong journey in the service of the country, they’re proposing a draft budget that hits the poor and middle classes,” they added.

“All those who remain silent over this offence are thieves who do not deserve to be Lebanese."