Ramy Finge was forced to endure tear gas and rubber bullets for two years, trying sometimes to climb the cement walls around Lebanon's parliament in protests against the government.
Soon, he will be able walk in the front door. In May 15, 13 independent newcomers won seats in parliament. They were inspired by the protest movement to end the long-held dominance of traditional parties.
The surprisingly strong showing of civil society activists gave hope to despairing Lebanese that there is still hope for a better future.
The nascent reform movement faces many challenges as it tries to fight an established ruling clique.
Many fear that the country's upcoming parliament will increase polarization and paralysis, at a time when it is going through one of its worst economic meltdowns. It is hampered by divisions between old guard and newcomers as well as supporters and enemies of Hezbollah, a powerful militant group.
Candidates drawn from the October 2019 protest movement ran on competing lists in the lead-up to the election.
They all agree that corruption, mismanagement and lack of accountability are the main causes of the country's ruin.
Candidates drawn from the October 2019 protest movement ran on competing lists in the lead-up to the election.
They all agree that corruption, mismanagement and lack of accountability are the main causes of the country's ruin.
BUSINESS
Fed officials warn rates could rise to'restrictive levels'
Global economic woes overshadow Davos
Starbucks union stores must bargain hard
EXPLAINER - Social media and Texas shooter's messages
However, their differences are evident in the details. They differ on everything from how they will reform the economy and rebuild the bank sector that collapsed to their opinions on Hezbollah’s weapons to their positions on whether disarming the Iranian-backed organization should be prioritized.
It is a remarkable feat that they were able break through in spite of an electoral law designed for a ruling elite with immense power. Although the Hezbollah-led coalition lost its majority in the 128 seat parliament, it is still the largest bloc.
"This is the first Thawra achievement (Arabic word for revolution) because it was possible to get in," Finge, 57 said to The Associated Press this week at his humble home in Tripoli, Lebanon's poorest city.
He said, "And from within we will work with all of our strength and courage in order to... destroy this corrupt ruling class which is destined for fall no matter what time it takes."
Finge, like his protest group colleagues, was subject to intimidation and pressure over the past two-years. Finge proudly spoke of the lively protests that erupted in Beirut and Tripoli in late 2019. Police would then fire tear gas and pellets at protestors who tried to climb the massive security walls surrounding parliament.
Security summoned him and asked about the makeshift kitchen that he had built in Tripoli to distribute food to protesters as well as the poor. It was called Matbakh al Thawra or the Revolution Kitchen.
