No gasoline, no electricity, no medicines: Lebanon is suffering from a severe economic crisis. A daunting task awaits the cabinet. Foreign countries only want to help under certain conditions.
After months of power struggle, a new government is in place in crisis-ridden Lebanon. Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Head of State Michel Aoun agreed on a new cabinet on Friday.
The new head of government pledged to work with the international community to lead Lebanon out of the severe economic and financial crisis. The situation in the country is “very difficult,” said Mikati in an emotional first address. «I hope we stop the collapse. We’re working together to bring Lebanon back to prosperity. “
A difficult task awaits Mikati, born in 1955, and the other members of the cabinet. The Mediterranean country has been experiencing the worst economic and financial crisis in its history for almost two years. Around three quarters of the population now lives in poverty. The Lebanese lira has lost more than 90 percent of its value. The country is also suffering from a severe supply crisis. There is a lack of essential medicines and fuel to generate electricity, so that electricity is only available for a few hours a day. Long queues form regularly in front of gas stations.
There is also a serious political crisis. Many Lebanese have completely lost their trust in the political elite. They accuse her of corruption and self-enrichment. Mass protests against the political leadership broke out around two years ago.
The disaster of explosion in the port of the capital Beirut more than a year ago worsened the situation. According to official information, more than 190 people were killed and around 6,000 injured. The bereaved even speak of 218 fatalities. Large parts of the port and the adjacent residential areas were destroyed. The detonation is said to have been triggered by large quantities of the highly explosive chemical ammonium nitrate, which were stored unsecured in the port for years. The exact circumstances are still unclear.
The previous government announced its resignation shortly after the explosion. Since then, rivalries between the leading political forces have prevented the formation of a new cabinet. Despite the severe economic crisis, the country was politically paralyzed for over 13 months. Two politicians failed to form a government.
In order to be able to save the country, the government depends on international aid. Germany, other countries in the West, but also international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) only want to support them if they adopt far-reaching reforms, especially against rampant corruption.
The Foreign Office in Berlin welcomed the formation of the government, but emphasized the need for reform. “Now it is very important that there is further and noticeable progress quickly,” said a spokesman for the Foreign Office on Friday evening. “The government has a duty to tackle these challenges now.”
However, many Lebanese do not expect any far-reaching measures from Mikati because they see him as part of the old elite who want to defend their power by all means. Mikati is an entrepreneur and billionaire. He is considered one of the richest men in the country. Among other things, he made his living in the telecommunications industry. Mikati had already formed a government in 2005 and 2011.
In multi-religious Lebanon, power is divided among the denominations in a fragile equilibrium. The president must always be a Christian, the prime minister a Sunni and the head of parliament a Shiite. The Shiite Hezbollah, which Iran supports, is particularly influential. The organization controls several areas in Lebanon with its militia.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
