September 10, 2021
Lebanon Announces a New 24-Minister Cabinet
Lebanon Working on Funding From World Bank For Power Supply
Hyperinflation and Food Shortage Warnings
Lebanon Announces a New 24-Minister Cabinet
After 13 months of political deadlock, Lebanon announced a new government under Prime Minister Nijab Miqati. Earlier today Miqati said through tears that the government will work to stop the country’s economic collapse and will soon launch a rescue plan. [AP] Lebanese media outlets circulated the new 24-minister cabinet lineup as announced today by the secretary general of the council of ministers. [Naharnet]
RESPONSE
“Now is the time for the Lebanese people to come together to secure a seat at the table so that the new government acts in their interests. It is critical that the new government ensures that the voices of all Lebanese are heard. The Miqati government should initiate meetings with the IMF quickly to enact policies that have the widest effect on improving the lives of the greatest number of people in Lebanon. It must also ensure that there is an election process in the coming year that is transparently implemented in line with international standards”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
Lebanon Working on Funding From World Bank For Power Supply
Following a meeting with counterparts in Damascus, Lebanon’s caretaker Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar announced in a news conference this week that Lebanon is working to secure funding from the World Bank to finance fuel imports of Egyptian gas which will be transmitted through Jordan and Syria. The United States supports the plan. [Reuters] Jordan’s energy minister announced that the infrastructure to allow gas flow to Lebanon, which hasn’t been used in 10 years, will be finished in three weeks. [AP]
RESPONSE
“Separating facts from rumors is always tricky in Lebanon. Too many ‘sources and authorities’ and too few transparent checks on information makes credibility a challenge. It is hoped that the World Bank will shepherd the four-party fuel purchasing plan into reality quickly. Lebanon needs the fuel. Egypt will benefit from playing a key role in supporting this request from the US. Jordan will receive an upgrade to its transmission network. Syria, if it cooperates transparently, can claim bragging rights for bending the Caesar sanctions for an exemption to help Lebanon. Works all around.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
Hyperinflation and Food Shortage Warnings
Experts have been warning that hyperinflation could come to Lebanon if political leaders do not agree to a government and implement reforms. The currency has lost around 90 percent of its value already, and the World Food Program says food inflation has risen by 557 percent since October 2019. Food importers also warn that they cannot afford stock and food shortages could worsen soon. [Reuters]
RESPONSE
“The stories of trade-offs that families are making to survive are increasingly daily and are increasingly desperate. Sacrificing food, schooling, education, and other services are taking a great toll on family stability and security. Nothing is certain about when essential services will resume. Thankfully, the World Bank cash card program will start next week, payable in US dollars – a tiny ray of hope in an otherwise frustrating landscape. The international community continues to help the Lebanese, the refugees, the LAF, and the security services. Perhaps the tide is changing and the people will be able to insist successfully on effective actions by the new government.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.