The economy stands at the core of the ministerial program on which Nawaf Salam’s government gained parliamentary confidence. More than a third of the text is dedicated to economic matters, and when including related themes—sovereignty, justice, education, and judicial independence—the declaration takes on a distinctly developmental character. But how does this program differ from previous ones, which often shared similar content and promises? The country’s political history has shown that government statements rarely translate into concrete actions, echoing the proverb: "I hear your words and rejoice, I see your actions and wonder."

A Crisis Context, but Persistent Obstacles

While the ministerial declaration highlights well-known economic challenges, it comes at an exceptional moment that makes its execution more critical than ever. According to economist Pierre Khoury, the crisis has reached a point of no return, with the collapse of the currency and the disappearance of the middle class. Under pressure, the political elite may be forced to accept painful reforms, such as bank restructuring, electricity privatization, or public sector reform. The IMF’s conditions for financial assistance, along with potential diplomatic efforts to restore Gulf financial support, could provide a temporary economic relief.

However, major obstacles remain: the absence of genuine political will, the continued dominance of corrupt alliances, and the collapse of state institutions, particularly the judiciary. These factors cast serious doubt on the ability to shift from rhetoric to action. Additionally, internal political divisions and regional conflicts could further perpetuate crises instead of resolving them.

Gaps in Social and Budgetary Approaches

The government’s program remains vague on several key issues. It mentions the recovery of bank deposits but does not outline a clear mechanism to stop the ongoing financial hemorrhage. A true economic recovery would require not only investments in industry and agriculture but also a restructuring of the banking system to regain the trust of investors, expatriates, and non-Lebanese depositors.

On the fiscal front, the declaration emphasizes increasing state revenues to maintain financial stability but fails to address the crucial issue of reducing public spending—a major source of corruption and waste. Patrick Mardini, president of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies, stresses that restructuring the public sector cannot happen without reducing excessive employment and eliminating unnecessary government bodies.

A Surprising Silence on Social Policies

While the ministerial program focuses on economic recovery, it largely overlooks urgent social concerns. According to Farah Chami, director of the social protection program at the Arab Reform Initiative, the government appears to prioritize rebuilding the political framework over addressing social issues. Yet, recently approved social protection plans, such as the National Social Protection Strategy and the Pension and Social Protection Law, lack a roadmap for implementation. Social Affairs Minister Haneen El-Sayed merely announced an increase in social spending without clarifying how it would be financed or whether it aligns with a sustainable approach.

Between Hope and Skepticism

With the country’s economic collapse, growing public awareness and rising frustration could pressure the ruling class into action. The private sector, for its part, stresses the need to turn economic commitments into concrete measures. Nicolas Bou Khater, president of the Lebanese Businessmen and Businesswomen’s Association, argues that attracting foreign investment requires more than economic rhetoric; it demands real implementation of reforms.

Lebanon’s future will depend on the government’s ability to turn promises into action. As long as political will for reform remains absent, the ministerial declaration will remain just another document, destined to join the long list of unfulfilled commitments.