10 Important Questions Lebanese People Are Asking Themselves Right Now

With so many developments emerging every day in Lebanon regarding the many different stories of the revolution, and with the latter nearing its first month anniversary, it’s difficult not to be overwhelmed by all the piling new information. Whether they are avid followers of politics or enthusiastic revolutionaries, here are 10 questions every Lebanese is asking themselves at this stage:

#1 Where are we headed?

@mawtoorembedded via  

A classic question. So much speculation has been circulating regarding the final destination of Lebanon following the revolution, and no one can tell for sure where we will ultimately end up.

The best-case scenario, which some call it too optimistic, is revolutionaries achieving everything they have set out to achieve: A complete reformation of the Lebanese political system, a technocratic government, the restoration of the money looted from the treasury, and all-around better-living conditions.

#2 What kind of government will Lebanon have post-revolution?

Via The961

Technocracy? Democracy? Autocracy? (God forbid)
It’s difficult to tell, and every form of government has its pros and cons. Some sources claim that the Lebanese government will have a Techno-Political nature as a middle-ground solution between the classic democratic form of government and the technocratic one being called for by the revolutionaries.

#3 Will the looted money be restored?

@ahmad._mhembedded via  

This question addresses one of the most prominent demands of the revolution; a cry that was heard from the first day of the protests. Politicians must bring back the stolen money, which many of them have participated in stealing from Lebanon’s treasury.

Whether or not that demand will be fulfilled depends mostly on the state of Lebanon’s jurisdictional authority. Only if politicians are properly questioned and trialed will we have a chance to get back the looted $100B to the state’s treasury. 

#4 Will the revolution put an end to corruption?

@yaftatsalbeembedded via  

Lebanon has been infested with corrupt politicians and authority figures for a very long time. Corruption is so deeply rooted within our country that extracting it would mean a total reformation of the entire Lebanese government, which is why the revolutionaries insist on reforming it into a technocracy free from political parties and sects. 

#5 Will the Lebanese economy collapse?

@taste.of.beirutembedded via  

A very concerning question that has been the center of discussion long before the eruption of the Lebanese revolution. Although the official exchange rate of the Lebanese Pound has remained constant, that of the black market is a completely different story.

That rate has reached 1870 LBP per 1 USD and is shifting daily. Some experts predict that the Lebanese Pound, and with it, the economy, may suffer more in the future as dollar bills grow scarcer in the Lebanese market every day.

#6 What will schools and universities do?

@thouraya_alzougbiembedded via  

When students are leading the revolution, it’s necessary to ask about their current educational year. How will schools and universities be able to compensate for their students after the revolution is over?

#7 How long will the revolution last?

@961clubembedded via  

The Lebanese revolution is almost a month old, and the protesters insist daily that they do not intend to leave the streets before their demands are realized. On the other hand, the authority seems to be taking its time with the whole situation. Of course, everything can change within one day, but if the politicians don’t pick up their pace, the destination may be further away than expected. 

#8 Will there be early elections?

@joseph.moussallemembedded via  

One of the most recurring demands of the protesters is the organization of early elections by the current caretaker government so that people can vote for their representatives as soon as possible, and have them begin their governmental work early on. So far, there are no indicators that elections are close, but the power of the people can change anything.

#9 Who will be the new Prime Minister?

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Since caretaker Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri resigned, last October, rumors began to circulate regarding the identity of the next Prime Minister of Lebanon, some predicting the return of Al-Hariri as the head of the new government. Whether the next government will be a technocratic one or otherwise, it will be interesting to see who takes on the role.

#10 Will the President resign?

Via Aldewaan

After PM Al-Hariri’s resignation, revolutionaries shifted their attention to the president of the country, calling for the resignation of President Michel Aoun so that the new reign would be completely free from any of the familiar faces that have ruled over Lebanon for decades.