AbiNader writes, “For many in Lebanon, the announcement of the staff-level agreement with the IMF on April 7, prompted rather short-lived sighs of relief. That may be because certain actions are still required before any money flows at this level of agreement, and because the many challenges to its implementation have become clearer only days after the announcement on April 7. Sisyphus had it easy, one could say, in comparison to the anticipated obstructions that the agreement faces including the May 15th elections, as there are limits to what can get accomplished in the few weeks and three holidays between now and the opening of the polls. In particular, the formation of a new Council of Ministers within five months, the election of a president by the new government, and an agreement on a parliamentary agenda must all take place before any reforms can seriously happen.”

Farah writes, “Late evening on April 18, a leaked document purportedly containing the details of the government’s economic plan started circulating among a narrow circle of journalists. The Joint Committee meeting scheduled for April 20 never took place, even though quorum was achieved. MPs attending the meeting refused to continue discussions of the draft law before the government made clear its intentions. The government was accused of “stealing the depositors’ money,” to which Mikati was swift to counter that the plan ensures the protection of small depositors, and any accusations of the contrary are only made for election purposes. However, after his meeting with Ferzli, he dispatched the government plan to the parliament, seeking the MPs feedback and suggestions. Berri called the Joint Committee to meet on Tuesday to continue discussions of the draft law. Whether the meeting achieves quorum or not, remains to be seen.”