The Foreign Desk Explainer 450: What is Lebanon’s new government up against? Spoiler: itself
Jan 15, 2025
Lebanon's new leadership faces significant challenges rooted in its complex historical political settlement. The discussion highlights the impact of the National Pact on effective governance and how it hampers progress. With Hezbollah's weakened stance, the authority of the Lebanese military comes under scrutiny in a politically fragmented landscape. This analysis reveals the intricate dance of power and politics that continues to shape the nation.
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Lebanon's Prime Ministers
- Lebanon has had 52 prime ministers in 80 years.
- Only Rafik Hariri lasted longer than four years, before being assassinated.
The National Pact's flaws
- The National Pact requires Lebanon's president, prime minister, and parliament speaker to be from specific religious groups.
- This power-sharing system hinders decisive governance and fuels partisan conflict.
Hezbollah's Decline
- Hezbollah, a heavily armed Shia party, acted as a parallel state within Lebanon.
- Recent setbacks, including Israeli attacks and the loss of Syrian support, have weakened them.