massive drops in their monthly wages due to the devaluation.
A suggested plan at the time from the government to counteract this problem, by introducing taxes on tobacco, petrol and even Whatsapp services, caused another round of protests leading to the resignation of caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
When the Coronavirus crisis arrived on the scene the economic crisis worsened as jobs dried up and this in turn highlighted huge inadequacies in the social welfare system as many families struggled, and still struggle, to even buy basic necessities.
Pre-paid communication cards were introduced in July this year by two companies Alfa and Touch, designed for low-income families to
The country has been a car crash waiting to happen. First the financial crisis in 2019 saw an economic
meltdown as the country’s currency devalued by 90 per cent. Then the government decided to discontinue payments on all its
outstanding US dollar- denominated Eurobonds in early 2020 whilst the Covid pandemic caused nationwide lockdowns and further unemployment.
access the internet as prices for internet packages have increased significantly and online communication has become outside the purchasing power for many families. However, even these cards are said to be too costly and won’t help students or businesses who are in desperate need for online connections.
Te solution isn’t around the corner and much depends on political decisions. Te Lebanese political system is a lengthy, complicated and fascinating story in itself, and the political divisions are more entrenched than ever.
With 18 recognised religious communities the three main political offices (President, Speaker and Prime Minister) must be divided among the three largest communities – Maronite Christian, Shiite Muslim and Sunni Muslim, respectively - under an agreement dating back to 1943.
WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS P55
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