Lebanon has been mired in a multi-sector crisis for years. Politically, the country operates without an elected president while the incumbent government remains in place, creating a persistent governance vacuum. This absence of stable leadership slows reforms and deepens the political and economic crisis, and the people bear the highest cost of slow or stalled progress.
The situation is defined by a power vacuum. With the presidency vacant and no durable institutional footholds in place, the nation moves toward further instability. The result is a setback for reform efforts and a widening gap between official action and the needs of ordinary people.
In response to the question of whether the president will be elected soon, observers note persistent daily efforts, including MPs who literally stay in the House to push for progress. Yet the Forces for Change currently hold less than 10 percent of the seats. The dominant traditional factions in the assembly contribute to paralysis. The initiative seeks to accelerate the presidential election and, by doing so, to hasten broader reforms.
The economy has faced a long downturn since the 2021 crisis. Will conditions worsen? Without radical political and economic change, solutions remain out of reach. There is a call for accountability that targets not only political power that has held sway for decades but also the banking sector. Proposals include ending bank secrecy, defending judicial independence, and supporting investment funds that safeguard small savers and workers. The aim is to curb the perceived aristocracy of the banks and establish a framework where reforms can take root.
The energy shortage has placed many households in precarious conditions, with electricity, water, and internet access all unreliable. In Lebanon, basic services have been irregular for years, unlike the standard of living in Barcelona where such services are considered fundamental rights. The electricity sector has seen three decades of political involvement and has cost the state billions, yet reliable power remains elusive. The roots of this crisis lie in corruption and mismanagement across the system.
What measures could improve living conditions? A plan is needed to stamp out corruption and waste: an independent planning body and a reform-minded Ministry of Energy would reduce influence from competing institutions and curb mismanagement. Beyond pursuing renewable energy, it is necessary to address how electricity usage is billed and to formalize contracts so more households contribute fairly. These steps would streamline maintenance and upgrade of the grid and infrastructure.
Is Lebanese society nearing a breaking point? Could a new movement emerge as in 2019? The people are resilient and not willing to surrender to despair. Despite years of restrictive policies, there is evidence of renewed public will through new political forces represented in parliament. A sustained effort by citizens to demand change suggests a potential for another popular outpouring, with the reform-minded groups standing in solidarity with the people.
You once participated in that broader movement. How did the decision to engage in politics from within the Chamber come about? The decision was not personal but a response to the moment: four months before elections, the speaker felt a compelling duty to bring activism into the electoral arena and to challenge the established power through sustained, coordinated actions.
Were there obstacles along the way? The path was difficult from the start. Even after the election results, traditional forces moved to challenge the coalition in court, and the opposition to the status quo drew intense political pressure. Yet the effort persisted, with the idea of a united front against the old order forming a new political dynamic, even as some plans did not succeed against entrenched power.
Is it feasible to maintain a robust opposition in Lebanon? The challenges are real, but the strategy emphasizes change through democratic means and non-violent methods. For the first time, a group advocating for democratic reform has secured representation in the parliament, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political equilibrium.
Could this success inspire others to pursue similar paths? The electorate has shown growing trust in options beyond traditional sectarian blocs. A notable portion of the population that previously abstained or felt unrepresented is now voting in hopes of real change and greater accountability.
Does a new direction for the country seem plausible? The 17 October 2019 uprising opened a path for change, but lasting transformation requires knowledge, trust, performance, and transparency. While the goals are ambitious, the momentum has to endure beyond years of concentrated power, and the path will demand patience and broad-based support.