THE BEIRUTER’S WATCH

In a year marked by political fragility, economic pressure and persistent regional volatility, 2025 stood as a critical test of Lebanon’s capacity to govern itself.

The Beiruter’s Watch offers a structured and sober review of the Lebanese State’s performance through the actions of its key ministries, moving beyond rhetoric to assess measurable institutional outcomes. This article documents key executive achievements that shaped governance, public services and state authority over the course of the past year.

Across diplomacy, security, justice, energy, social protection, infrastructure and digital transformation, ministries operated under severe constraints (financial, administrative and political). Yet several succeeded in restoring institutional processes, advancing long-stalled reforms and reasserting the role of the State in areas long weakened by crisis and fragmentation.

This overview aims to capture those developments, situating them within Lebanon’s broader struggle to preserve state functionality, restore public trust and prepare the ground for longer-term recovery.

Ministry of Interior and Municipalities – Ahmad al-Hajjar

- Successful Organization of Municipal Elections after 9 Years:

The ministry organized municipal elections in May 2025 after a 9-year break. Security, logistics and administrative coordination were effectively managed nationwide. This achievement restored democratic processes at the local level.

- Strengthening Electoral Integrity and Data Protection:

A Chatbot Privacy Policy aligned with Lebanese law and international data protection standards was issued, as a public information service designed to assist voters by providing answers to frequently asked questions, polling station details and general electoral guidance. Meanwhile, Decision No. 522 established a code of conduct for election observers, reinforcing transparency and oversight. Together, these measures modernized electoral governance and protected citizen data.

- Public Order and Border Security Enhancement:

Decisions suspending motorcycle traffic and regulating truck movement improved public safety. Additionally, a historic Lebanon-Syria border security agreement signed in Saudi Arabia on March 2025 enhanced coordination against smuggling and illegal crossings. These steps contributed to enhanced border security and greater national stability.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants – Youssef Raggi

- Reassertion of Sovereign and Interest-Based Lebanese Foreign Policy:

Lebanon’s foreign policy was recalibrated around national sovereignty rather than external alignments. The ministry adopted firm positions against infringements on independence, including public diplomatic standoffs with foreign counterparts. This approach reinforced Lebanon’s credibility and restored professional diplomatic protocols.

- Restoration of Diplomatic Appointments and Meritocracy:

The ministry resolved nearly 8 years of paralysis by completing long-delayed diplomatic appointments within months. Priority was given to career diplomats, sharply reducing politically driven external appointments. This reform restored professionalism, institutional balance and morale within Lebanon’s diplomatic corps.

- Revitalization of Multilateral and Regional Relations:

Lebanon successfully defended its position at the United Nations (UN), particularly regarding UNIFIL’s mandate. Relations with Arab states, especially Gulf countries, were improved, while diplomatic engagement with Syria was normalized on the basis of respecting each countries’ sovereignty.

Ministry of National Defense – Michel Menassa

- Regulation of Weapon-Carry Permits and Internal Security:

New standardized weapon-carry permits were introduced for 2025, while all 2024 licenses were suspended. The ministry also froze permits across multiple governorates, with limited exemptions. These measures strengthened public security and reinforced state authority over arms regulation.

- Strengthening International Support for the LAF:

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNSCOL and UNDP improved coordination of international assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). A subsequent agreement with UNIFIL, supported by France, secured essential fuel and food supplies. These steps ensured operational continuity for the army amid crisis conditions.

- Expansion of Defense Diplomacy and Bilateral Cooperation:

Lebanon signed defense cooperation agreements with the Netherlands and Hungary in November 2025. These agreements reinforced long-term military partnerships and technical support for the Lebanese military institution. They also diversified Lebanon’s defense diplomacy beyond traditional partners.

Ministry of Justice – Adel Nassar

- Resuming the Beirut Port Blast Investigations:

After a 2-year hiatus, the investigating judge on the 4 August 2020 Beirut Port Blast, Tarek al-Bitar, resumed his work, advancing the prospects of justice for the victims and their families. This also included a historic breakthrough, whereby the Lebanese judiciary traveled abroad to conduct crucial interrogations.

- Combatting Illicit Financing:

The ministry issued Circular No. 1355, requesting notaries, when organizing powers of attorney and transactions, to verify that all parties involved are not listed on national and international sanctions lists, refrain from organizing transactions if otherwise, and to inform the ministry and the Special Investigation Commission about the matter. This aimed to undermine illegal financing and conform to FATF guidelines.

- Adoption of Judicial Independence Law:

The Judicial Independence Law was approved by both Council of Ministers and Parliament, marking a significant step in the country’s judicial reform process. Despite some concerns, the law is seen as a promising step toward protecting the judiciary from political interference.

- Filling Judiciary Vacancies:

The ministry managed to fill all the vacancies found in the judiciary during the past years. Judicial appointments were made to key institutions, including the Higher Judicial Council, the Judicial Inspection Body and the Financial Prosecutor’s Office, marking a clear departure from past practices of political interference and quota-sharing.

Ministry of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence – Kamal Shehadi

- Establishment of a National AI and Digital Transformation Vision:

The ministry launched a National Digital Transformation and AI Strategy 2025-2030 through conferences and policy roadmaps. Emphasis was placed on data sovereignty, inclusive services and responsible innovation. This positioned AI as a pillar of administrative and economic reform.

- Strategic International and Academic Partnerships:

MoUs were signed with Roland Berger, leading universities and global tech firms such as Oracle. The “Code for Lebanon” initiative and a plan to train 50,000 citizens in AI and cloud computing were launched as well. These partnerships strengthened Lebanon’s human capital and innovation ecosystem.

- Revival of Lebanon’s Innovation Ecosystem:

The Lebanon Tech, AI & Innovation Summit 2025 elevated Lebanon’s global technological profile. Entrepreneurs, investors and innovators were brought together under a unified national vision. This reinforced Lebanon’s role as a regional innovation hub.

Ministry of Social Affairs – Hanin el-Sayed

- Expansion of Social Safety Nets and Cash Assistance:

The AMAN Social Safety Net Program was extended, supporting 166,000 families. Disability allowances and emergency cash assistance reached hundreds of thousands, while social protection coverage reached nearly 800,000 beneficiaries.

- Institutional Reform and Digital Transformation:

The ministry launched restructuring toward a “Ministry of Social Development.” Additionally, digital systems, such as National Social Registry (DAEM), improved targeting and transparency. This marked a shift from emergency relief to sustainable policy.

- Rights-Based Social Policy and International Engagement:

Lebanon achieved a historic milestone with the ratification of the 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD). Meanwhile, a national disability strategy and governance reforms followed. International and regional partnerships strengthened coordinated responses to displacement.

Ministry of Public Works and Transport – Fayez Rasamny

- Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beirut International Airport:

Infrastructure upgrades included roads, lighting, safety systems and electronic gates. Additionally, aviation safety training and administrative reforms improved operational discipline. These measures enhanced service quality and reaffirmed sovereign control over airport operations.

- Modernization of Ports and Border Crossings:

Container scanners were approved for major ports, including Beirut and Tripoli, while key crossings were rehabilitated. Jounieh port was also reopened and maritime property violations were addressed. These actions strengthened trade security and state oversight.

- Revival of Public Transport and National Infrastructure:

New bus lines, a smart mobility app (called ACTC PT) and railway heritage restoration were launched. The “Lebanon on Track” plan upgraded roads, tunnels and flood management as well. This marked progress toward sustainable mobility and infrastructure resilience.

Ministry of Energy and Water – Joe Saddi

- Halting Unsustainable Public Debt in the Electricity Sector:

The ministry prioritized stopping new fuel-related debt after decades of accumulation. This marked a shift from crisis-driven spending to fiscal responsibility. The policy restored confidence among international partners and lenders.

- Structural Reform and Regulatory Revival:

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) was finally established under Law 462/2002. This long-delayed reform enhanced transparency and investor confidence. It thus laid the foundation for sustainable private-sector participation.

- Diversification of Energy Sources and Grid Rehabilitation:

Plans for gas-fired power plants, LNG imports, renewable energy expansion, grid modernization and a 6-month gas oil tender were advanced, while a $250 million World Bank loan supported smart metering and solar generation. These steps addressed long-term energy sustainability.

Ministry of Communications – Charles Hajj

- Restoring Institutional Governance:

The ministry re-established independent regulation by appointing a new Board for the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority after more than 13 years of vacancy. Additionally, it completed the administrative establishment of Liban Telecom, fulfilling all legal, regulatory, and administrative requirements for its operational readiness.

- Reactivating Infrastructure Investment and Modernization:

The national FTTH fiber program was relaunched, with tenders for 340,000 new home connections and a multi-year rollout plan. Mobile network modernization also accelerated, achieving the highest CAPEX levels in recent years and measurable improvements in coverage and capacity.

- Advancing Connectivity and Digital Transformation:

The national 5G roadmap was launched and satellite internet services were licensed, including Starlink. The ministry also modernized customer services through digital onboarding and OCR-based KYC processes, enabling online subscriptions and improving efficiency, fraud prevention and compliance.

Ministry of Public Health – Rakan Nasreddine

- Emergency Health Response and Humanitarian Support:

The ACWA “Aqwa” program with UNICEF supported war-wounded children with comprehensive care. International medical aid ensured continuity of care for critical groups (such as dialysis patients). These actions reinforced health system resilience.

- Preventive Health and National Awareness Campaigns:

Nationwide school medical exams, vaccination drives and anti-trans-fat initiatives were relaunched., while diabetes care was integrated into primary healthcare. Prevention became a central health policy pillar.

- Governance, Digital Health and International Reintegration:

The digital health strategy and pharmacovigilance guidelines were launched and oversight of beauty centers and medicines was strengthened. More importantly, Lebanon regained voting rights at WHO and renewed strategic cooperation.

Ministry of Economy and Trade – Amer Bisat

- Advancing Investment Promotion and Economic Planning:

The Ministry successfully delivered the Beirut One Investment Conference in November 2025, positioning Lebanon as an emerging destination for investment despite challenging conditions. This ambitious initiative laid the groundwork for longer-term economic recovery and structural reform.

- Drafting a National Vision:

A national vision was drafted, centered on productive sectors, following extensive consultations with line ministries; pending approval by the Council of Ministers.

- Comprehensive Digital Transformation of Economic Services:

Intellectual property services, consumer protection systems and inspection reporting were fully digitized, drastically reducing administrative delays. As a result, 80% of services now require no physical visit, marking a major leap in efficiency, transparency and accessibility.

Ministry of Industry – Joe Issa el-Khoury

- Launch of a National Industrial Strategy and Digitization:

A comprehensive National Industrial Strategy was developed to boost competitiveness. Ministry services were also digitized with UNDP support to reduce corruption. These reforms improved efficiency and investor confidence.

- Promotion of Green and Sustainable Industry:

Enforcement against polluting factories was intensified, especially along the Litani River basin. Moreover, the Green Industry Forum and environmental workshops promoted circular economy practices. Sustainability became central to industrial policy.

- Support for Innovation and Market Access:

Cost-reduction agreements and the Industry 2025 Exhibition showcased Lebanese manufacturing, while academic and EU-supported research programs advanced industrial innovation. These initiatives strengthened domestic production and exports.

Ministry of Agriculture – Nizar Hani

- Forest Protection and Environmental Enforcement:

Over 700 forest law violations were documented nationwide and enforcement targeted illegal logging, fires and land encroachment. This strengthened environmental governance.

- Direct Support to Farmers and Rural Livelihoods:

More than 40,000 farmers received financial aid, inputs and irrigation support. Training and organic farming tools also improved productivity. These measures enhanced resilience across regions.

- Data Systems, Projects and Sectoral Regulation:

Institutional capacity was also strengthened through the Farmer Registry, which surpassed 70,000 registered producers. Additionally, over $320 million in agricultural projects were overseen. Regulatory decisions improved subsidies, land use and food safety standards.

Ministry of Youth and Sports – Nora Bayrakdarian

- Launching of the National Strategy of Sports:

The ministry organized a major conference titled “Toward a national strategy for sport in Lebanon,” marking a historic turning point toward developing a national sports strategy and recognizing the central role of youth and sports in the country’s development.

- Reopening of the Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium:

After 6 years of closure and being left in ruins (due to neglect and the 2020 Beirut Port Blast), the ministry reopened the Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium, considered a historic national landmark. Efforts were also made to reopen the Tripoli Olympic Stadium, aiming to enhance Lebanese sports.

- Organizing the “Sports for All” Events:

4 editions of the “Sports for All” event were organized, including in Tyre, Jounieh, Aley and Beirut, respectively. This came as part of the ministry’s initiative to promote sports and youth participation in Lebanon.

Ministry of Education and Higher Education – Rima Karami

- Improving Teachers’ Financial Conditions and Labor Stability:

The ministry secured temporary compensation for all education staff through Decree No. 189, applied retroactively to both permanent and contractual teachers, helping alleviate long-standing financial pressures. This was reinforced by a formal commitment to dialogue with unions and coordination with the Ministry of Finance toward restoring a fair and dignified salary scale.

- Strengthening Educational Governance, Safety and Administrative Efficiency:

Institutional management was enhanced by regulating school operations during municipal elections and responding decisively to a school transport safety incident in coordination with security authorities. These measures ensured continuity of learning, reinforced student safety standards, and demonstrated improved administrative responsiveness.

- Advancing Learning Assessment, Planning and Institutional Integrity:

The launch of a nationwide diagnostic assessment covering over 130,000 students provided critical data to address learning loss and guide targeted interventions for the following academic year. In parallel, the ministry embedded transparency and integrity into the education system through institutional partnerships and issued structured regulations for the 2025-2026 school year to ensure stability and equitable access.

Ministry of State for Administrative Reform – Fadi Makki

- Merit-Based Public Appointments Reform:

A transparent mechanism for first-category appointments was introduced. Objective evaluations replaced patronage-based practices. This restored credibility to senior public service recruitment.

- Comprehensive Digital Transformation Agenda:

Stakeholder consultations and the Reinventing Government 2030 program were launched, while an electronic payment gateway modernized citizen services. These reforms improved efficiency and accessibility.

- Anti-Corruption and Institutional Capacity Building:

Evaluation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy was initiated. Furthermore, partnerships with AUB, USJ and UNOPS strengthened policymaking capacity. OMSAR emerged as a central reform driver.

Ministry of Information – Paul Morcos

- Advancement of Comprehensive Media Law Reform:

The draft Media Law was approved by the Administration and Justice Committee, paving the way to replace the outdated 1994 framework. Additional legislation addressing digital media and influencers was also advanced. These reforms modernized Lebanon’s media governance environment.

- Revitalization and Digitization of Public Media:

The digitization of Télé Liban’s archive reached 40% completion in partnership with UNESCO. New cooperation agreements enabled free broadcasting of cultural content, while the National News Agency (NNA) website was modernized. These efforts preserved national audiovisual heritage and expanded public access.

- Institutional and Human Capital Strengthening:

Télé Liban’s Chairman and Board were appointed for the first time since 1999, while social and health protections for journalists and staff were expanded. Additionally, youth engagement, gender-sensitive media initiatives and misinformation-fighting programs reinforced sector resilience.

Ministry of Culture – Ghassan Salameh

- Protection and Recovery of Cultural Heritage:

Illicitly exported artifacts were recovered from Switzerland. The Rashid Karami Fair and Beirut Port silos were legally protected. These actions safeguarded Lebanon’s historical memory.

- Revitalization of Cultural Access and Public Engagement:

Free museum access and the return of Museum Night expanded public participation. Additionally, national heritage celebrations reinforced cultural identity. Culture was re-centered as a public good.

- Launch of Lebanon’s Grand Theatre’s Restoration Plans:

Alongside UNESCO, the ministry launched an international fundraising campaign to restore Beirut’s Grand Theatre and inaugurated the rehabilitation of Mar Mikhael railway station. The initiatives highlight cultural heritage as a driver of economic recovery, supported by Arab and international partnerships.

Ministry of Tourism – Laura el-Khazen Lahoud

- Digital Transformation and Smart Tourism Services:

An AI-powered “Ministry of Tourism Lebanon” app was launched, connecting travelers to 2,400 tourism sites and local businesses. Digital tools supported SMEs and improved visitor experience. From here, tourism governance entered the digital era.

It should be noted that the contributions of several ministries are not reflected in this report, as official information was not provided despite repeated requests. In accordance with principles of accuracy, transparency, and editorial responsibility, this article relies exclusively on verified data formally communicated by the respective ministries, rather than on secondary or unofficial sources that may not meet professional standards of reliability.

The Beiruter’s Watch will extend into 2026. It will maintain its systematic monitoring of the performance and work of Lebanese ministries on a quarterly basis.

From here, the record of ministerial action in 2025 reflects neither a miraculous recovery nor a continuation of paralysis, but rather a year of cautious reassertion of state capacity. Across sectors, various ministries demonstrated that meaningful governance remains possible even amid fiscal scarcity and political complexity. Progress was most evident where institutional continuity, professional merit, digitalization and international cooperation converged; whether in restoring diplomatic norms, organizing long-delayed local elections, regulating public utilities, expanding social safety nets or modernizing administrative services.

At the same time, these achievements remain inherently fragile. Structural reforms are still incomplete, inter-ministerial coordination uneven and political sustainability uncertain. Yet the cumulative effect of these measures suggests a shift away from pure crisis management toward incremental state rebuilding.

Hence, The Beiruter’s Watch records 2025 as a year in which the Lebanese State, while far from restored, proved capable of action, reform and strategic intent. The true test ahead lies in whether these gains can be institutionalized, protected from political regression and translated into durable public confidence in the State itself.