Lebanon is facing an unprecedented socio-economic crisis. Since the end of the civil war, corruption within the political elites – which have used the state as a vehicle for self-enrichment and patronage-distribution – has undermined the country’s recovery and development.
Following protests in October 2019, the government introduced several anti-corruption laws and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in an attempt to pacify an angry public and enhance the country’s appeals for international funding.
While observers are sceptical that the anti-corruption measures will be implemented, Lebanon’s civil society has a chance to build on this momentum and to exert pressure, domestically and internationally, to demand genuine anti-corruption action and accountability.
In a new Chatham House paper, Karim Merhej explores how Lebanon’s anti-corruption laws, while commendable in theory, are unlikely to be effectively implemented. It also discusses how the political class in Lebanon uses those laws to garner praise among their constituents and burnish their image in front of international audiences, rather than to undertake genuine efforts to reduce corruption.
In this webinar, the author presents the paper’s key arguments while two distinguished guests will provide their critical insights and comments.
The event will be held on the record and livestreamed on the MENA Programme Facebook page.
Participants
Karim Merhej, Researcher & Data Analyst, The Public Source
Badri Meouchi, Corporate Governance Consultant, Tamayyaz
Diana Kaissy, Director of Civil Society Engagement, Lebanon, International Republican Institute
Moderator: Lina Khatib, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House
