Despite the election of a president, the appointment of a prime minister, and international and regional backing, Lebanon remains at a crossroads, caught in a spiral of political paralysis and economic despair. Since the protests erupted in October 2019 over the loss of bank deposits and the lack of accountability, Lebanese citizens have yearned for an effective government—one that, so far, has remained out of reach.

As the country stands on the verge of forming a new government, what steps must the designated prime minister take to steer Lebanon toward stability?

A Political Deadlock Rooted in Sectarian Divisions

The first challenge is the entrenched political paralysis fueled by deep-seated sectarian divides. Lebanon’s political landscape is fragmented, with multiple factions, each driven by its allegiances and grievances. This fragmentation makes consensus nearly impossible, obstructing key decisions from government appointments to essential policy directions. The absence of unity delays government formation and hinders any meaningful reform.

A Deepening Economic Crisis

Compounding the political deadlock is an economic collapse that has plunged millions into poverty and disillusionment. While economic reforms are urgently needed, persistent disagreements prevent any real progress toward viable solutions.

The Shadow of External Influence

External interference further complicates an already volatile situation. Lebanon’s history of regional interventions means that domestic politics cannot be separated from foreign interests. Tensions among local factions—often fueled by competing international agendas—undermine governance and make political cohesion even more elusive.

A Crisis of Trust

Perhaps the most formidable obstacle to forming a new government is the deep-rooted mistrust in the political class. Decades of corruption, nepotism, and dysfunctional governance have left the Lebanese people skeptical of traditional leaders. This crisis of credibility not only hampers coalition-building but also fuels public unrest and social discontent.

What Can the Prime Minister-Designate Do?

Given these immense challenges, how can the designated prime minister navigate Lebanon out of this deadlock?

A first step would be to uphold the principles he outlined at the presidential palace, which involves building a cohesive government team with a shared vision. A government that prioritizes dialogue and inclusivity will be crucial in rallying political and social forces around a common goal.

The top priority should be forming a competent and credible government. Political loyalty can no longer outweigh expertise and integrity. Appointing ministers who can inspire public trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to governance will be essential for long-term stability.

The prime minister must seize this moment to outline a clear and actionable roadmap for economic recovery. Strengthening ties with international financial institutions could enhance the credibility of proposed reforms and signal a serious commitment to tackling Lebanon’s deep-rooted economic problems.

Engaging civil society in the political process could also help foster broader support and weave a new social fabric based on accountability and transparency.

Finally, ensuring security will be paramount. A stable society is crucial to reducing the risk of social unrest and creating the conditions necessary for economic and political recovery.

As Lebanon stands at a defining moment, the coming weeks will determine whether the country can finally break free from its cycle of stagnation or remain trapped in a political and economic quagmire with no clear way out.