The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diab, has announced the resignation of his government Monday, bowing to public outrage over last week’s catastrophic explosion in the capital. “I declare today the resignation of this government. God bless Lebanon.” He announced in a televised speech. The President of Lebanon has accepted the government’s resignation and asked them to assume a caretaker position till a new government comes into play.
Issues to Consider
Prior to this resignation, the Prime Minister had called for early parliamentary elections, as the way out of the crisis, blaming political corruption for the blast. He had called upon all political parties to reach an agreement for an election date for the country to produce a new political class and parliament.
The explosion was caused by more than 2000 tones of ammonium nitrate which had been stored in the port for about seven years. The ship was initially destined for Mozambique in 2013, but developed technical problems and docked at Beirut, and it was never allowed to get back on sea again.
Hassan Diab had won a vote of confidence in parliament in February after the anti-establishment protests triggered the resignation of Saad Hariri, his predecessor, but that goodwill may have been lost as public trust in government has eroded.
In May 2018, Lebanon held its first parliamentary polls in nine years. If the bill proposed by the Prime Minister is approved, the country will hold its second parliamentary elections in 2 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate relief efforts. Prior to the explosion, the interior ministry had announced a strict five-day lockdown and curfew to contain the spread of the virus.
Next Steps for Lebanon
The destruction of grain stores, businesses and livelihoods has raised the risk for a food shortage, and devastation in the face of an already unstable economy and political climate.
Help still seems far away as IMF relief funds still remain blocked due to the Lebanese government’s failure to meet reform targets. The new government will be tasked with stabilizing Lebanon’s economy and politics amid a raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Sami Atallah, director of the Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies, doubts a reshuffle or change of government will bring social or political reforms. Speaking to FT, he said the old administration was trying to make the current government take the fall for its actions and inactions.
