While Lebanon’s political focus is currently on the upcoming municipal elections, fear of war has once again taken over the minds of many citizens following recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli drones have continued flying over Lebanese skies, spreading fear and signaling that conflict could return at any moment. Many believe the next few days may bring dangerous developments.
Lebanon Pushes Forward with Municipal Elections
Despite the tense atmosphere, Lebanon’s Ministry of Interior and Municipalities launched its central operations room in preparation for the first round of municipal and mayoral elections set for Sunday in Mount Lebanon. The launch was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajar, who both confirmed that the elections will go ahead as scheduled. He stated on Wednesday that the municipal and mukhtar elections will be held exceptionally on Saturday, May 24 in the South and Nabatieh instead of Sunday, a holiday for the occasion of “Resistance and Liberation Day” in south Lebanon.
Minister Hajar added that security forces and the army are fully prepared to ensure the elections run smoothly.
“The elections are a constitutional and democratic right, and the government is fully committed to carrying them out,” said Prime Minister Salam.
Labor Minister: No Signs of Economic Recovery Yet
In a related statement, Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar stressed that Lebanon’s economy remains in collapse, and the security situation is still unstable.
He noted that Lebanese expatriates have not returned in significant numbers, which means there is still a long road ahead before any economic turnaround. On the issue of wages, Haidar dismissed recent reports claiming that $900 was being discussed as a new minimum wage.
“That number was never officially discussed. While it might represent the cost of a decent life, it’s not realistic for now and only adds to public confusion,” he said.
