欧洲对外关系委员会-政治家面前的人：欧洲人如何帮助重建黎巴嫩（英）-2021.7_19页_76kb

Summary of "PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICIAN"

Core Content

This document, titled People Before Politician, analyses the deepening crisis in Lebanon and calls for a shift in the EU's approach to supporting the country. It argues that Lebanon's political elite have failed to address the country's systemic corruption, economic collapse, and governance issues, and that the EU should prioritize supporting the people and local institutions rather than engaging with the current political class.

Main Points

• Lebanon's Crisis: The country is in a severe crisis, worsened by a corrupt and ineffective political system. The 2020 Beirut port explosion was a tragic catalyst, but it failed to spur meaningful reform.

• Political Incompetence: The Lebanese political class, dominated by sectarian leaders and backed by Hizbullah and other groups, has shown no willingness to reform. The EU and other international bodies are justified in withholding aid until real reform occurs.

• People's Mobilization: In the absence of a functional government, Lebanese citizens have taken the initiative to organize themselves, forming local groups and institutions to deliver aid, rebuild infrastructure, and address social needs. This grassroots movement is seen as a potential path to political change.

• EU's Strategic Shift: The EU has moved away from funding the government directly and instead is supporting a bottom-up, participatory model known as the 3RF (Reconstruction Framework). This model emphasizes transparency, inclusion, and accountability, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable recovery.

• International Involvement: Despite efforts by the EU, UN, and World Bank, the political stalemate persists. International donors are increasingly supporting local institutions and movements rather than the state, as the latter has proven incapable of delivering effective reforms.

• Strategic Importance of Lebanon: Lebanon remains a strategic interest for the EU due to its location in the Mediterranean, its role in regional stability, and its hosting of over a million Syrian refugees. A failed state in Lebanon could have broader implications for the region and Europe.

Key Recommendations

• Sanctions on Political Elites: The EU should impose sanctions on members of the political class who obstruct reform, signaling that they will not support the status quo. This includes targeting leaders like Gebran Bassil, who have been involved in political disputes.

• Support Local Institutions: The EU should continue to fund local initiatives and institutions that are working to provide aid and services. This includes support for grassroots organizations, advocacy groups, and new political parties that are pushing for reform.

• Promote Inclusive Recovery: The 3RF model should be expanded and made more sustainable, with genuine consultation from local communities. This will help ensure that recovery efforts are transparent, efficient, and aligned with people's needs.

• Facilitate Free and Fair Elections: The EU should advocate for and support the 2022 parliamentary elections, ensuring they are free, fair, and capable of producing a more representative and reform-oriented government.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes that the future of Lebanon depends not on the political class but on the resilience and mobilization of its people. It calls for the EU to support local efforts, impose sanctions on corrupt leaders, and shift towards a more participatory and inclusive approach to aid and reform. This strategy could help Lebanon move towards a more stable and prosperous future, despite the current challenges.