BEIRUT, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Lebanese expatriates took to the street on Thursday in protest against the central bank and its policies, the National News Agency reported.

The protesters marched in downtown Beirut and walked to the Association of Banks in Lebanon while chanting slogans asking the central bank's governor to leave.

The protesters asked people not to pay any taxes to the government and stop paying loans since banks are not allowing depositors to withdraw money freely.

During the past few months, Lebanon has witnessed a shortage in U.S. dollars due to an economic slowdown and the drop in cash injections from Lebanese abroad, reducing the central bank's foreign currency reserves.

Banks put restrictions on withdrawals of depositors and their transfers from Lebanese pounds to U.S. dollars.

Nationwide protests started in Lebanon over two months ago with people protesting against the ruling class, which led to the resignation of the cabinet.