THE MAJORITY OF LEBANESE ARE POOR, THE 3 DARK IMAGES OF THE LEBANESE ECONOMY

The Lebanese economy has been suffering from many crises for the last three years, with no sign of relief in sight. The only thing that seems to be getting worse is the standard of living for the population as it continues to grow poorer by the day.

1- Lebanon is currently going through a series of crises. The fuel crisis, the currency crisis, the food crisis and the medicine crisis are all taking a toll on the Lebanese population. The fuel crisis is the more recent of these crises that has had an economic and social impact on Lebanon.

2- Lebanese have seen their purchasing power become significantly weakened since they are unable to buy imported goods with their local currency which is not valued at all internationally.

3- Most Lebanese believe that this economic crisis is a result of an unfair sectarian system which left them vulnerable to foreign economic pressure. Sectarianism in Lebanon is what affects every aspect of life for every Lebanese citizen, leading to challenges when it comes to employment, housing and access to basic needs like electricity and fuel.

Sectarianism is the root of all the problems in Lebanon. Democracy and sectarian system cannot go hand in hand. The solution to this problem is to dismantle the sectarian system and replace it with a new system that can guarantee freedom and equality for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

(Mohammad H Ismail)