Skip to main content

Lebanon’s Economic Crisis: A Perilous Path without a Central Bank Governor



Lebanon finds itself trapped in a relentless economic crisis, worsened by the resignation of its Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh, without a successor. As the crisis, which began in 2019, deepens, the nation’s citizens grapple with rampant inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment. This op-ed dissects the reasons behind Lebanon’s economic downfall, shedding light on policy failures and governance issues that have led the nation into an abyss of financial turmoil.

The root of Lebanon’s economic crisis lies in decades of mismanagement and short-sighted policies. The political elite’s reliance on sectarian politics, patronage networks, and corruption has hindered economic reforms and perpetuated inefficiency. Riad Salameh’s departure, facing investigations over a Ponzi scheme and blamed for Lebanon’s economic crash, further exacerbates the instability in the country’s financial institutions.

The absence of coherent strategies to address the crisis reflects the lack of leadership in implementing effective monetary policies and regulatory measures. The World Bank and IMF’s warnings about Lebanon’s dire economic situation in 2023 went unheeded, as the government displayed reluctance in taking concrete actions to stabilize the economy. Lebanon’s political elite’s focus on power struggles has left its citizens disillusioned and paralyzed by the economic catastrophe.

READ MORE: No End to Lebanon Economic Crisis, No Successor to Replace Country’s Outgoing Central Bank Governor

While international assistance has been offered, it cannot be the sole solution. Lebanon must confront its challenges head-on with bold and comprehensive reforms prioritizing citizens’ welfare over political interests. The formation of a competent and accountable government, commitment to transparency, good governance, and a genuine fight against corruption are crucial steps in the nation’s road to recovery. Only through collective action and determination can Lebanon rebuild its shattered economy and restore hope for a brighter future.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...

UAE Introduces AI-Driven Drones for Crescent Moon Sighting

  For the first time in history, the UAE is employing artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon, signaling the start of Ramadan. This modernized approach blends technology with Islamic tradition, enhancing the reliability of moon sighting methods. Historically, the crescent moon has been identified through naked-eye sightings and advanced astronomical calculations. By incorporating AI-supported drones, the UAE is reinforcing its position as a leader in technological innovation while maintaining deep respect for religious customs. This method is backed by national research centers and astronomical observatories, ensuring precision and credibility in determining the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Suhoor, the early morning meal, and Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, hold great importance during this period. The holy month is also a time of increased charitable giving, with many Muslims part...

Beyond the Barrel: The UAE's Steady Hand in a Shifting Global Economy

  Global economic rankings often highlight familiar names, but a steady, deliberate climb is happening in the Gulf. The UAE consistently ranks as one of the most economically stable nations, and this validation stems from a steady reform model that has successfully insulated its economy. The story is no longer about oil wealth; it's about the strategic deployment of that wealth to build a resilient, modern, and dynamic knowledge economy. The proof is in the sectors now driving growth.  Tech startups  are flourishing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, supported by government venture funds and a growing pool of talent.  Smart cities  like Masdar City and NEOM are not just futuristic concepts but active testbeds for sustainable living and business. This has triggered record  FDI inflows , with the UAE securing its position as the 16th largest global destination for foreign direct investment. The narrative is supported by hard data: a GDP growth projection of 4.6% in 2025...