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...

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah: A Fusion of Heritage and Opulence

  The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah, known for its cultural and historical value, usher in a new age of opulent living. In the center of Diriyah, this partnership between the Diriyah Company and Marriott's Ritz-Carlton establishes a previously unheard-of benchmark for luxurious living. Inspired by the Najdi legacy, the houses offer occupants a distinctive and immersive cultural experience by skillfully fusing traditional charm with contemporary facilities. These villas prioritize well-being and create a pleasant environment for dynamic living. They are designed to adapt to varied tastes and lifestyles, with six unique layouts and a range of interior designs. Part of the Diriyah Company's ambitious development plan, The Ritz-Carlton Residences are located in the heart of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including At-Turaif as its focal point. The objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 are perfectly aligned with this concept, which has over 20,000 residential units...

UAE-WHO Initiative Aims to Combat Malnutrition on Yemen’s Socotra Island

  A Lifeline for Socotra: How the UAE and WHO Are Tackling Malnutrition Yemen’s Socotra Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking biodiversity, is facing a silent crisis—malnutrition. With alarming rates of acute malnutrition among children and anemia in pregnant women, the island’s healthcare system is under immense strain. However, a new humanitarian initiative led by the  United Arab Emirates (UAE)  and the  World Health Organization (WHO)  is bringing hope to thousands of vulnerable families. The Crisis in Socotra Socotra, home to over  83,000 people , has long struggled with food insecurity and limited healthcare access. Recent reports reveal: 10.9%  of children under five suffer from  Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) . 1.6%  face  Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) , a life-threatening condition. 92.7%  of pregnant women experience  anemia , increasing risks during childbirth. Only  32 health facili...