Lebanon can stave off default, says central bank governor
Euromoney, is part of the Delinian Group, Delinian Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX, Registered in England & Wales, Company number 00954730
Copyright © Delinian Limited and its affiliated companies 2024
Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement
CAPITAL MARKETS

Lebanon can stave off default, says central bank governor

Riad Salamé says that Lebanon has the tools it needs to stave off default, but with protestors demanding fundamental change, analysts question whether a radical overhaul of the country's economy is what is really needed.

Riad Salame 2019-780

Lebanon’s emergency plans to stave off imminent default will have the full support of the Banque du Liban, its governor Riad Salamé told Euromoney at the IMF meetings in Washington on October 19. But real commitment to reform is needed to unlock an $11 billion funding package and the private sector investment that will prompt a true recovery in Lebanon.  

Countrywide protests, which began on October 17 after the government revealed plans to charge a fee on WhatsApp calls, showed little sign of abating by Wednesday 23, even after the government unveiled a plan to stimulate growth and reduce Lebanon’s deficit without resorting to more taxes.

But despite the ongoing protests and calls by analysts that Lebanon’s package comes as too little, too late to save its ailing economy, Salamé stresses that the country has options.

Successful implementation of reforms in the electricity sector, on which the government spends 4% of Lebanon’s GDP, will bring down the deficit to zero in three years as well as unlocking access to an $11 billion funding package agreed in Paris last year, Salamé says.


Gift this article