Lebanon has erupted in protests over the Government's plans to impose new taxes on free messaging applications such as WhatsApp, amid a severe economic crisis.

Key points: The Lebanese Government has proposed a daily tax of 20 US cent on free messaging apps like Whatsapp

The Lebanese Government has proposed a daily tax of 20 US cent on free messaging apps like Whatsapp Thousands of protesters took to the street in protest after years of economic turmoil

Thousands of protesters took to the street in protest after years of economic turmoil Major roads and schools were closed as the demonstrations erupted into violence

Thousands of protesters took their anger out on politicians they accused of corruption and decades of mismanagement, plunging the country into deep economic turmoil.

The protests began with a few dozen people gathering in central Beirut over the imposition of a daily fee of 20 US cents (29 cents) on messaging applications, including WhatsApp.

The Government is proposing taxes on some social media telecommunications software as well as tobacco and petrol under its 2020 budget.

Protests quickly escalated into some of the largest the country had seen since the uprising over a garbage crisis in 2015, with thousands holding demonstrations across the country.

Hundreds of people gathered near the Government headquarters and Parliament building in central Beirut where riot police were deployed.

The protesters chanted: "Revolution!" and "Thieves!" — the latter a reference to widespread corruption in a country that has one of the highest debt loads in the world.

Some protesters threw stones, shoes and water bottles at security forces and scuffled with police.

Demonstrators are protesting new taxes on tobacco, fuel and some social media software such as WhatsApp. ( AP: Hassan Ammar )

Several policemen and soldiers were injured.

When the motorcade of Education Minister Akram Chehayeb padded through downtown Beirut, protesters punched and kicked the cars.

One bodyguard jumped out of a car and fired an automatic rifle into the air.

Mr Chehayeb rushed out of his car and pushed the guard away and prevented him from shooting again.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Protesters also closed roads in other parts of Lebanon, including the northern city of Tripoli, Tyre in the south and Baalbek in the northeast.

Some of the protesters said they would stay in the streets until the Government resigns.

"The Government is trying to help Lebanese citizens avoid a collapse," Interior Minister Raya al-Hassan told local media.

"If another government is formed it will take the same measures," he said.

Protesters closed major intersections with burning tires and garbage containers, causing traffic jams.

As the protests escalated, the Minister of Education declared that public and private schools and universities would close on Friday (local time).

Telecommunications Minister Mohamed Choucair appeared on TV after the protests began and said Prime Minister Saad Hariri has asked him to drop the proposed tax on WhatsApp.

Wires/ABC