In recent years, Lebanon has faced multiple crises. Today, it is a country in great danger, struggling to recover. Géraldine Ghostine, president of the Mon Liban d’Azur Association, bears witness to this uncontrollable situation.
Lebanon is facing an economic and financial crisis. This situation is accompanied by an explosion of inflation and the poverty rate. Food, medicine, everything is rationed or even unavailable. It is in this context that Géraldine Ghostine decided to organize a collection with her association: “In December, we conducted a large collection of medicines. The situation there is serious; there is a real shortage. It should be noted that more than 50% of the population lives below the poverty line.”
The other major problem is the political system itself. It is no secret, Lebanon is a country corrupted, from the political class to the banking institutions. “All our institutions are controlled… The country cannot recover without change in its policy. When I go to Lebanon, I make sure our donations go to the right place. With this country, one can never know…”
2020, the fatal year
Like the rest of the globe, Lebanon had to face COVID-19. The country was extremely affected by this crisis. This week, a record number of cases was recorded, bringing the country to 11,580 cases with 116 deaths. In light of this terrible increase, the country had no choice but to re-impose a lockdown. Lebanon is the first country to resume lockdown for 17 days, with a curfew.
The last event, and probably the most devastating, is the double explosion on August 4 in Beirut. “The very heart of the city of Beirut was affected. The historic districts are devastated, the soul of the city has disappeared. The reality is even harsher than the images on television.” Géraldine Ghostine was supposed to return to Lebanon on August 29, but her apartment was affected by the explosion. Now concerned for her country, she admits she no longer knows where she lives. “Currently, there is a climate of fear in Beirut. Even the embassy itself recommends the utmost vigilance. We fear something terrible might happen again. I will return to assess the damage; it’s important.”
Economists speak of more than 15 billion in material losses, as well as several years of reconstruction. For the president of Mon Liban d’Azur, the future is not more optimistic: “I think it will take at least 5 to 10 years to fully rebuild the country. Currently, we are headed straight into a Venezuelan scenario.”
