**Lebanon: A Helping Hand in a Country Adrift**
In a landmark statement, Lebanon’s new Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, expressed his willingness to reach out to all political actors to navigate the deep crisis that is shaking the country. This initiative, while promising, raises questions about the feasibility of such an approach in a country where sectarianism and political fragmentation are pervasive. As Lebanon grapples with daunting economic challenges and heightened political instability, can this attempt at dialogue truly embody new hope or is it simply an empty promise?
### A Call for Unity in a Climate of Division
Lebanon, at a crossroads, is facing a multidimensional crisis, combining an unprecedented economic depression, galloping inflation, and an erosion of public trust in institutions. According to the latest World Bank estimates, the country has lost about 60% of its gross domestic product (GDP) since 2019, plunging millions of Lebanese into poverty. In this context, Nawaf Salam’s call for cooperation resonates as a vital necessity to avoid the total collapse of the system.
It is significant that Salam chooses to adopt an inclusive approach, recognizing that the rejection of other parties could lead to even deeper political deadlocks. In trying to unite the different factions, he positions himself as a peacemaker, but faces a colossal task. For example, the previous experience of a national unity government, which aimed to bring together all parties, often resulted in administrative paralysis instead of concrete solutions.
### Lessons from the past: Towards structural reform?
Lebanon’s recent history is marked by failures to implement necessary structural reforms. Revolts and protest movements have multiplied since 2019, revealing a deep discontent with corruption and ineffective government. Salam’s framework must be more than a call for unity; it must also include concrete steps toward greater transparency and accountability of institutions.
To do this, the new prime minister could draw inspiration from successful governance models in other Arab countries. For example, Jordan recently established a system of “our administrative representations” to encourage citizen participation in decision-making, thereby reducing the gap between the government and the population. Such a move could create a new dynamic in the relationship between the government and Lebanese citizens.
### The impact of foreign interventions
It is impossible to discuss the Lebanese situation without mentioning the influence of foreign powers. Regional dynamics, including the involvement of Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as the role of major powers such as the United States and France, further complicate the political landscape. Nawaf Salam’s strategy will also need to take these external influences into account to forge a policy that is not solely focused on partisan interests, but that truly benefits the population as a whole.
### Conclusion: An Uncertain Future
The new prime minister’s motto, “save the country,” sounds as much a rallying cry as a desperate plea for an elusive reality. A willingness to engage in dialogue can be the first step toward renewal, but it will require a deep, long-term commitment and a change in mindset among political actors. The road is fraught with obstacles, but in a country that has suffered so much, every helping hand has the potential to build bridges—not walls.
In short, Lebanon’s future will depend not only on the choices made by Nawaf Salam, but also on the ability of each political actor to abandon old sectarian quarrels to embrace a unified and reformist vision. Only by combining efforts can Lebanon hope to emerge from this deep crisis.