**Lebanon: A New Political Era Challenged by Reform and Deep Divisions**
Lebanon is at a critical juncture in its long and tumultuous political history. With the recent election of Joseph Aoun as president, the country hopes to enter a phase of renewal, after a period of instability marked by a prolonged presidential vacancy and a major economic crisis. The parliamentary consultations initiated by the new president to appoint a prime minister are much more than a mere constitutional formality; they represent a litmus test of Lebanon’s governance capacities and its political class, which is notorious for its flaws and divisions.
### An Analysis of the Forces at Play
The current consultations for a new prime minister, reserved for a Sunni Muslim, reveal a complex dynamic. While Najib Mikati emerges as a major candidate because of his experience and connections to the political establishment, his acceptance is far from unanimous. On the other hand, Nawaf Salam’s candidacy, supported by a progressive coalition seeking to overcome sectarianism, embodies an aspiration for change. However, this ambition is threatened by the rules of the confessional system that continue to structure Lebanese political life and, in the final analysis, to hinder any significant progress.
Fouad Makhzoumi, who withdrew his candidacy, illustrates another aspect of the political landscape: the willingness of a part of the opposition to unite in order to reach a consensus. This raises a crucial point concerning the commitment of political actors to overcome their personal interests for the common good, a challenge that, historically, has often been poorly managed in Lebanon.
### Economic issues: between promises and realities
Beyond the simple appointment of a prime minister, Lebanon faces gargantuan economic and social challenges. The economic crisis, accentuated by successive devaluations of the Lebanese pound and record levels of poverty, demands radical reforms. International organizations, donors, and even neighboring countries are setting clear conditions for aid, which are becoming more pressing by the day.
Reforms must go beyond simple economic adjustments. They require a complete overhaul of the governance system, including combating pervasive corruption, restructuring the banking sector, and improving transparency in public spending. Indeed, a World Bank study reveals that 77 percent of Lebanese live in poverty, while social inequalities are widening, exacerbated by inappropriate tax policies and an influx of migrants fleeing conflicts in Syria and elsewhere.
### The curtain rises on international relations
The role of international actors such as the United States and Saudi Arabia cannot be underestimated. By promoting a return to a semblance of stability, these powers seek to contain the growing influence of Iran through Hezbollah. However, this external interventionism raises questions about Lebanon’s true sovereignty and reinforces the perception of a country in the pay of foreign powers.
Cooperation with partners such as Saudi Arabia should not mask the fact that these interventions, although initially beneficial, risk creating a dependency from which Lebanon would have difficulty breaking free, thus reinforcing the cycle of crisis. Lebanon must then forge its own political and social identity, integrating the aspirations of its citizens while escaping the influence of foreign powers.
### Towards a rupture or continuity?
The current context suggests that the path ahead will be fraught with pitfalls. The promise of a “new phase” under Joseph Aoun must, in practice, translate into concrete actions that go beyond mere rhetoric. Economic challenges, ethnic and religious tensions exacerbated by years of nepotism will have to be systematically addressed.
Moreover, internal criticism of Najib Mikati, perceived as a product of the system that some want to be frozen, raises questions about the possibility of a real break with the past. The Lebanese people, tired of governance perceived as elitist and disconnected, are demanding real transformation. Navigating between the hope of renewal and the fear of a return to the status quo will be one of the main challenges for the future Prime Minister and his deputy government.
### Conclusion: Lebanon on the brink of change?
As consultations for the formation of a new government take place, Lebanon finds itself at a crossroads. The Aoun-Mikati duo, if validated, has the opportunity to restore hope and dignity to the Lebanese, but this will require strong political will and a sincere commitment to profound reforms in the country. The time has come not only to manage crises, but to build a sustainable and inclusive future, free from old practices and external influences. The challenge is monumental, but the resilience of the Lebanese people could, once again, reverse the predictions. Lebanon’s political future is taking shape, on one condition: that change is not just a promise, but a tangible reality.