The top challenges facing Lebanon’s new government

The top challenges facing Lebanon’s new government

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s new government, approved by parliament after more than a year of political deadlock, has its work cut out as it seeks to rescue the country from its worst-ever economic meltdown. Fuel and medicines are in short supply, power blackouts last most of the day, more than three out of four people have been plunged below the poverty line, and many of those who can are leaving the country. Here is a look at the most pressing issues for Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his 24-member cabinet, and at the biggest hurdles ahead.

What are the top priorities?

The new government, approved Monday by parliament, desperately needs to lift Lebanon out of what the World Bank has called one of the world’s worst economic crises since the 1850s. The Lebanese pound has lost almost 90 percent of its value against the dollar on the black market, inflation has soared and people’s savings are trapped in banks. With foreign currency reserves plummeting, the cash-strapped state has been struggling to maintain subsidies on basic goods. Petrol and medicine have become scarce and the state barely provides two hours of electricity a day.

“The first priority for the government really will be to stem the