Analysis: While their election in 2022 broke the monopoly of traditional sectarian parties, Forces of Change MPs have faced challenges in impacting Lebanon's political system.
By Noemi Jabois Beirut, May 14 (EFE).- Lebanon heads to the polls Sunday for a decisive parliamentary election amid widespread discontent over the economic crisis and few expectations that the fragmented opposition can snatch the majority from the Shiite group Hezbollah and its allies. Overseas voting last week registered a 63% turnout and more than …
Lebanon is suffering economic meltdown while its politicians dither. Reform – and fiscal relief – is unlikely before 2022 elections. While pushing for timely polls, international partners should send humanitarian assistance to ease the public’s pain, keep key infrastructure running and avert security breakdowns.
Summary
Over the past three decades, Lebanon’s ruling class which comprises intertwined political and business elites has run the country into the ground. To survive its ongoing accumulation of challenges, including the financial crisis that erupted in October 2019, Lebanon requires a revamped state backed by a new economic model with social justice at its core. Tax reform is central to such an endeavor and to ensuring that the state has the means both to deliver basic services and to tackle poverty and inequality.
Key Themes
Since 2005, Lebanon has been characterized by extreme inequality in both income and wealth. The richest 1 percent of the population receives, on average, 25 percent of national income, while the poorest half receives less than 10 percent. Regarding wealth, the richest 10 percent of the population owns almost 70 percent of total wealth. Additionally, the middle class and the poor have little chance of upward mobility.