After a delay of more than a year, a new government was formed in Lebanon, led by billionaire Najib Mikati. The government will be able to stem the collapse of Lebanon, which is in the midst of the worst crisis in the history of the country, only if it learns to advance the reforms demanded by the international community as a condition for the transfer of the billions of dollars that Lebanon desperately needs. But the composition of the government does not bode well for this objective, and it seems that the prospects for success are slim. The government was composed according to an old sectorial-based formula, and the ministers, most of whom lack experience in their fields of responsibility, were elected by the party leaders of the different sects and act on their behalf. For its part, Hezbollah has retained its power and ability to influence decision making. Thus far the new Prime Minister has not refrained from criticizing the organization (e.g., on the issue of fuel deliveries from Iran), but he will likely find it difficult to contain Hezbollah’s influence in the future, especially in the context of the struggle against Israel.
The Incoming Government in Lebanon: Little New under the Sun | INSS
