Finance

In Search of Lebanon’s Financial and Economic Taif Agreement

Lebanon’s economic crisis cannot be measured solely by the six years since its visible eruption in September 2019. Its roots extend much further back—to 1992 and the first government formed after the Taif Agreement. This period marked the beginning of Lebanon’s modern economic policies, shaped by the country’s financial establishment with ...

Bank Reform in Lebanon: Central Authority Under Growing Pressure

The parliamentary subcommittee tasked with banking reform held a pivotal session to examine Articles 5 and 6 of the draft law proposing the creation of an independent banking authority. Two competing visions are at the center of the debate. The first, supported by Banque du Liban (BDL), calls for the establishment of a new, autonomous body ...

'Deadly' Loans Behind 'False Hope': Beware the IMF Trap

The experiences of many countries with international financial institutions—chief among them the International Monetary Fund (IMF)—show that such partnerships often lead to counterproductive results. Instead of rescuing economies from crisis, the so-called reform programs have deepened structural and financial problems. In many cases, these ...

World Bank Delegation Tackles Key Reforms to Boost Lebanon's Economic Stability

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber held a high-level meeting with World Bank representatives on Friday to review the progress of the Public Financial Management Project (FMP) and its restructuring. At the heart of the discussions was the project’s role in supporting Lebanon’s economic stability, with a focus on strengthening tax collection ...

Jaber: The 2026 Budget Will Guarantee Financial Regularity and Support Social Spending

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber affirmed on Friday that the 2026 budget plan would include measures aimed at ensuring financial regularity while paving the way for increased spending in social sectors. He emphasized that this budget would highlight the government’s development strategies and priority reform objectives. Among the measures planned ...

Jaber Reaffirms the Government's Commitment to Financial and Customs Reforms

Yassine Jaber, the Minister of Finance, reiterated that “the ministry is resolutely pursuing the necessary and fundamental reforms to improve the country's financial and customs systems.” He emphasized that “the government remains fully committed to advancing reforms aimed at enhancing financial transparency, improving the business ...

Economic Organizations Applaud Decision to Reject Public Loans

In a statement on Friday, economic organizations, led by former Minister Mohammad Choucair, praised Finance Minister Yassine Jaber’s decision to reject public loans and actively address the informal economy. The organizations stated that this decision reflects the minister’s serious commitment to controlling public spending across various ...