Daoud Rammal, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency

Lebanon’s Path to Reform: Between Ambition and Political Realities

Deep political divisions remain

As Lebanon grapples with mounting crises, a growing political discourse is advocating for a historic opportunity to break free from years of turmoil and rebuild the state on modern foundations. This vision calls for the establishment of a strong, capable, and just State that holds exclusive authority over strategic decisions and arms. It seeks to achieve lasting stability through the implementation of a ceasefire, adherence to international resolutions, and the reinforcement of a regional and international safety net to prevent Lebanon from slipping further into chaos.

However, this vision extends beyond political and security considerations, encompassing a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at modernizing State institutions in alignment with global standards by 2025. This endeavor requires a well-defined plan to implement economic, financial, and social reforms within a fixed timeframe. The goal is to place Lebanon back on a trajectory of sustainable growth by rebuilding the middle class, regulating the private sector, and safeguarding fundamental rights for all citizens, including military personnel, patients, educators, and public sector employees. These aspirations constitute the cornerstone for rescuing Lebanon from the collapse it has faced for years.

Yet, the realization of these objectives cannot be an individual responsibility, as the reform project demands collective commitment as the reform project requires everyone's collaboration, from the President of the Republic to the government, political forces, and society as a whole. While the presidential inaugural address set forth these principles, their execution depends entirely on the willingness of Lebanon’s political factions to abandon the destructive practices of the past three decades and prioritize the national interest over partisan and personal gains.

Despite the urgency of this vision, Lebanon’s reality presents formidable obstacles to its implementation. Deep-rooted political divisions, which have prevented previous reforms from being executed, still persist, complicating the prospect of reaching a unified national strategy. Meanwhile, the country’s severe economic crisis demands swift and decisive action, yet competing interests among stakeholders continue to hinder meaningful progress. Moreover, Lebanon's position at the heart of regional conflicts makes its stability conditional on international balances that may not always be in its favor.

Given these factors, the fundamental question remains: Can Lebanon seize this opportunity to implement the necessary reforms, or will this vision remain merely an ambitious discourse, constrained by political and economic realities? The answer hinges on the existence of genuine political will to carry out these reforms, free from the narrow calculations that have long hindered the State's progress. Between aspiration and reality, hope remains pinned on the prospect of meaningful change that restores Lebanon’s stability and rightful role.