"Is There No One to Be Prime Minister?"... Lebanon's Explosion Accident Reveals Total Chaos with No Candidates

Lack of Leadership Amid Complex Terrain of Sectarianism and Middle East Politics
Prominent Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri Also Faces Opposition from Saudi Arabia
Economic Crisis, Reconstruction, and COVID-19 Create Layered Challenges

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lebanon has struggled to find a way out since the Beirut explosion that shocked the world. While Lebanon's political circles agree that the current political approach is not working, they have found it difficult to break the political structure that divides power among religious groups.

The ruins of Beirut Port, Lebanon after the explosion accident
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to foreign media on the 26th (local time), amid crises such as the explosion, worsening economic conditions, and a surge in COVID-19 cases, no one has stepped forward to lead the new government. There are voices suggesting that former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri should take charge of the new government for the third time. However, Hariri himself has expressed no interest. He stated, "Certain political factions still seriously deny the reality of Lebanon." Not only is he not receiving sufficient support, but meaningful reforms are also difficult to achieve due to resistance from vested interests.

The Lebanese government is currently operating as a transitional government to form the next administration. The cabinet resigned en masse following the explosion at Beirut port on the 4th of this month. Although it may take several months to launch a new government, Lebanon’s situation remains challenging.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri [Photo by Reuters]

Amid an economic crisis that began with a financial crisis, Lebanon is negotiating bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while also needing to restore international trust to receive promised support from the global community. Currently, Lebanon’s inflation rate has surged by 112% compared to the same month last year, reflecting a comprehensive crisis. Rapidly spreading COVID-19 and the reconstruction of Beirut after the explosion must also be swiftly pursued.

The reason Lebanon’s political circles have struggled to find solutions amid the crisis is largely due to Lebanon’s unique political situation, which divides power according to religious factions. Additionally, the rivalry for hegemony between Saudi Arabia and Iran has complicated Lebanon’s situation.

Considering the power-sharing among religious factions, it is a strong possibility under the current circumstances that former Prime Minister Hariri, who represents the Sunni Muslim share, would take the prime ministership. However, Saudi Arabia is reportedly opposing Hariri’s appointment as prime minister due to his past government formation with Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. Saudi Arabia, which has supported Lebanon, has opposed Iran, a Shia power, and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Hariri’s mid-term resignation was also due to Saudi opposition.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.