After more than 10 months since its formation, the coalition cabinet of Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam faces an agenda that includes the election of a new president and, more urgently, a million Syrian refugees and numerous unaddressed social and economic issues. These issues stem from the earlier dysfunction of both the executive and legislative branches of the state of Lebanon.

Now that parliament and the executive branch have resumed their functions, certain issues have brought about unprecedented social and class confrontations, such as rising prices, labor rights, low wages, housing, food security, health and demographic dislocations. The country has further witnessed the spread of demonstrations by trade and teacher unions that complain of the “excessive gains” of the “wealthy elite.” 

The pressure is on parliament to legislate fair wages for teachers, workers and administrative staff in various institutions, such as the electric authority. There is increased pressure to expedite responses to the legitimate needs of the labor unions that feel marginalized. While these issues are urgent, they might have to await the forthcoming election of a new president.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for a session on April 23 to begin the process of electing a new president. It is expected that the election will take place in mid-May. One or two political figures have already declared their candidacy, but there are several efforts underway to elect a consensus president.