A glimpse of hope…

There is a wide debate in Lebanon about economic eform in the context of the implementation of the decisions of the CEDRE conference and the conditions set by donor countries. The economic reform program suggested by the government of former Prime Minister Hassan Diab addressed a series of measures aimed at modernizing the economy and stimulating growth, including privatization and market liberalization. The new government formed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati is promising to involve the private sector in the services previously led by the public sector, to include electricity, telecommunication, and the likes. Privatization aims to reduce the cost of services, improve their quality, expand their scope, increaseinvestments, give impetus to economic growth and stimulate the participation of citizens and the private sector through ownership of shares in privatized services’ sectors. Of course, raising the issue provokes different reactions in political, economic, trade union, and popular circles. From welcoming