Lebanon

Ardeh: At the Heart of Zgharta's Municipal Election Battle

With 2,500 voters, Ardeh has become one of the most pivotal municipalities in the electoral contest for the Zgharta district. In this small yet highly contested locality, every vote matters as the Moawad and Marada factions vie for control of the Federation of Municipalities, a strategic tool that will shape the region's political future.

81 Municipalities Elected by Acclamation in the North and Akkar

As part of the second round of municipal and mukhtar elections, 81 municipalities were elected by acclamation in the North and Akkar, out of a total of 289. The breakdown is as follows: Akkar: 44 out of 134 municipalities. Bsharre: 5 out of 12 (Bekaakafra, Qnat, Hasroun, Hadchit and Hadath al-Jebbeh). Koura: 10 out of 38 ...

BDL’s Gold Reserves Surge by 41.6% Year-on-Year

According to its latest balance sheet, Lebanon’s Central Bank (BDL) reported total assets of $93.86 billion as of the end of April 2025, reflecting a modest 0.33% year-on-year increase. This comes in the wake of BDL’s adoption of a new official exchange rate of 89,500 LBP/USD on February 1, 2024. A standout figure in the report is the sharp ...

100 Syrian Families Repatriated Voluntarily from Arsal to Syria

The Lebanese Army, with support from the Bekaa Intelligence Directorate, oversaw a new voluntary repatriation of displaced Syrians on Saturday. Around 100 families left camps in Arsal and crossed back into Syria via the Zamarani border point, returning to villages in the western Qalamoun region. This operation is part of weekly repatriation ...

Allergies and Climate: A Ticking Time Bomb for Lebanon’s Public Health

Climate change and air pollution are exacerbating seasonal allergies in Lebanon, transforming them into a mounting public health crisis. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and deteriorating air quality are not only worsening symptoms for allergy sufferers, but also increasing the number of people affected. Experts warn that urgent action is ...

After Four Vacant Years, Mieh Mieh Set to Vote for Municipal Council

More than 100 municipalities across Lebanon remain hollow structures—lacking elected councils to carry out essential functions and implement reforms. Mieh Mieh, the second-largest town east of Saida, is a prime example. Administrative issues have kept the municipality inactive for the last four years. Will this election finally break the ...

Lebanon Launches Water Sector Reforms with Support from International Partners

The Minister of Energy and Water, Joe Saddi, held a working meeting with key international donors and organizations to launch a strategic dialogue on the future of the country’s water sector. The minister announced that the national water sector strategy will be revised. “Valid elements will be retained, gaps will be addressed, and necessary ...