Petrol station owners threatened to strike over a lack of dollars at a fixed exchange rate to pay for imports, while flour producers complained over much higher rates from money changers
Lebanon government
austerity measures
Protests in Lebanese capital over deteriorating economy
The head of the central bank has denied that the country is facing a currency reserve crisis, but it has become very difficult to withdraw dollars from ATMs in Beirut
budget deficit
Lebanon on debt tightrope as S&P sets clock ticking to downgrade
S&P said that a continued decline in bank deposits – a key source of the government’s funding – could trigger a downgrade
Central Bank of Lebanon
Lebanon’s credit rating cut deeper into junk by Fitch
The rating company downgraded Lebanon for the first time in three years
Central Bank of Lebanon
Lebanon’s sovereign ranking likely to downgraded, says Goldman Sachs
Lebanon is currently on negative outlook at S&P Global Ratings
Beirut
Saudi Arabia in talks to sign 23 investment deals in Lebanon
Lebanese government is aiming to raise $11 billion in loans and grants to boost its reserves
Ali Hassan Khalil
Lebanon’s $900m budget fix masks risks as arrears pile up
Lebanon has pushed through a budget touted as the most austere in the country’s history in the hope of appeasing investors, donors and rating companies
austerity measures
Lebanon army chief angry at country’s austerity budget
Lebanon is one of the world’s most indebted countries and the government plan is expected to trim the country’s deficit this year to 7.59%
Baabda
Lebanon cabinet reaches consensus on 2019 budget: minister
Budget set to include spending cuts, reduction in public sector benefits and pensions, and the introduction of series of tax hikes
Beirut
Lebanon’s PM Hariri warns of unprecedented austerity in 2019
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said the country would be heading to an economic catastrophe if the government fails to implement harsh reform measures in this year’s spending plan.
budget deficit
Lebanon approves plan to provide electricity 24 hours a day
The decision is a step towards unlocking billions in aid pledged to Lebanon in exchange for slashing public spending and overhauling the electricity sector
budget deficit
Lebanon’s brief morale boost is giving way to frustration among investors and creditors
Lebanon’s economy is creaking under the strain of public debt, which the World Bank has warned is on ‘an unsustainable path’
Davos Forum
‘This is Lebanon’s last chance, there will be no other’: Saad Hariri
PM Hariri said passing reforms was crucial and once passed would result in a changed and improved Lebanon
Dubai
We need to have more women in leadership roles, says Lebanese PM
In January, Saad Hariri awarded the portfolio of Ministry of Interior to Rayya Al Hassan, the first time a woman has held the role in the Arab World.
Annual Government Summit
Lebanon expects allies to help maintain pound’s stability
Saudi Arabia’s finance minister saying last month that the kingdom would support Lebanon ‘all the way’
Baabda
Lebanon announces government after 8-month delay
Lebanon’s new government line-up is to see four women take up office, including at the head of the interior and energy ministries
Debt restructuring
Lebanon should consider debt restructuring, says Franklin Templeton
A debt overhaul needs to be part of a reform programme backed by lenders such as the International Monetary Fund, according to Franklin Templeton Investments