Ya Libnan

Lebanon Needs A One Colour Cabinet.

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By Ghassan Karam

The current Lebanese make up of the cabinet; the so called national unity government; has been nothing short of an abject failure in every single respect.  The Lebanese experience should be used as a poster child for the inefficacy and absurdity of a multicoloured government. The real victims of this unworkable mixture of two ideologies that have diametrically opposing aims and that have totally opposing visions of what should guide the policies of the state are the Lebanese citizens whose aspirations , dreams and hopes have been dealt one blow after another.

Lebanon needs to go back to a single colour government. It does not matter which party forms the cabinet as long as the party in question can put together a cabinet whose ministers are committed to a single vision to which they agree to devote all their energies and powers of persuasion.

The past two cabinets have amply demonstrated the inadvisability of a cabinet whose membership is not homogenous. How can we expect ministers, who have nothing in common, not even their allegiance to the stae, to function as a team. There are certain things that do not mix no matter how hard one tries or wishes for them to operate as a team. Whenever the members of the same team do not pull in the same direction then their efforts will at best neutralize each other at the expense of the citizen who is left waiting for Godot.

Both major camps are equally to blame for not having the courage to level up with the Lebanese people to tell them that the current cabinet has been just as ineffective as the previous one. In a sense one can even make the case that both cabinets have even been counterproductive when measured by the total lack of accomplishments on any front. The previous cabinet spent most of the time arguing about whether the cabinet lost its legitimacy as soon as the HA cabinet members and their allies stopped attending cabinet meetings.  Many in the March 14 alliance blamed the HA cabinet coalition for taking the government hostage by paralyzing the ability of the cabinet to meet and adopt meaningful policies that the Lebanese were eagerly awaiting in all areas, political, social and economic.

What is unfortunate but not unexpected is that March 14 seems to have switched positions with the Hezbollah cabinet members.  March 14, led by Sa’ad Hariri the prime minister has done everything possible but call a cabinet meeting in months. But what is even more tragic is that the cabinet meetings are superfluous anyway. The public has become accustomed to the lack of ability to govern and to lead by both sides.

Hezbollah and its associates carry a larger part of the blame for the current standoff since this novel but silly idea of forming a cabinet from all sides is their idea. What this national unity government has effectively done is subvert the Lebanese democratic system that is built on the idea of separation between the executive and the legislative. In the current makeup the Chamber of Deputies plays no important role besides rubber stamping what the opposing parties agree to in the cabinet, which has not been much lately.

Lebanon needs to restore to the Chamber its role to hold the cabinet responsible for the progress or lack of it. But when the cabinet represents all of the factions in the Chamber then who is going to hold whom responsible for what? There is a solution and an effective one for that matter; let the party with the most votes in the Chamber form a one colour cabinet that will have no excuse not to meet and perform the people’s business. These ministers and MP’s do not come cheap anyway. Actually they are some of the best paying jobs in the country and the poor Lebanese citizen can hardly afford these expenses especially when the recipients fail to perform their assigned task. Let the majority govern and let the minority oppose so that the public will be able to hold the parties accountable. A one colour cabinet will have no excuse not to meet and not to perform because as soon as it fails to meet or perform then the other party could call for a vote of confidence. No one can do that under the current unworkable system of unaccountability.

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Comments

25 responses to “Lebanon Needs A One Colour Cabinet.”

  1. Sebouh80 Avatar
    Sebouh80

    Mr.Karam, I agree with you on all accounts. Lebanese government formations have always been built on never ending paradoxes and this has become more evident with the last two governments after 2005 which were all based on the so called “Consensus formula” and this has created an unhealthy and unworkable environment with two opposing ideologies competing in the same government.
    From the point of view of Hezbollah it is extremely rational for demanding a national unity government with fair representation in the government portfolios, but this outome is leading towards irrational social outcomes like cabinet deadlocks and political confrontations threatening the collective interests of the Lebanese people and the overall country.
    Let us take the example of an electric power plant which is operated on cheap coal. Now the immediate self interest of the enterprise is to generate enormous profit for their shareholders and this is perfectly rational but this motive eventually creates environmental catastrophes to the inhabitants living near the vicinity of the power plant and this is the irrational outcome.
    This is the well known theory of rational irrational theory which is applied in all situations dealing with human behavior and choices.
    Sebouh

    1. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Sebouh,
      Human behaviour often demonstrates the tendency to be rationally irrational. Spatial duopolies are an excellent example of that. Given a 100 meter stretch of a beach front that is equally dense with visitors the two licensed vendors will tend to position their carts at the mid point when logic says that one must be 25 meters away from one end and the other 25 meters away from the other end. Unfortunately they gravitate to the center and hurt themselves as well as their clients.
      That is identical to what both HA and March14 are doing.The current arrangement hurts the ability of each to govern and it hurts also the general welfare of the state.

    2. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Sebouh,
      Human behaviour often demonstrates the tendency to be rationally irrational. Spatial duopolies are an excellent example of that. Given a 100 meter stretch of a beach front that is equally dense with visitors the two licensed vendors will tend to position their carts at the mid point when logic says that one must be 25 meters away from one end and the other 25 meters away from the other end. Unfortunately they gravitate to the center and hurt themselves as well as their clients.
      That is identical to what both HA and March14 are doing.The current arrangement hurts the ability of each to govern and it hurts also the general welfare of the state.

  2. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Mr.Karam, I agree with you on all accounts. Lebanese government formations have always been built on never ending paradoxes and this has become more evident with the last two governments after 2005 which were all based on the so called “Consensus formula” and this has created an unhealthy and unworkable environment with two opposing ideologies competing in the same government.
    From the point of view of Hezbollah it is extremely rational for demanding a national unity government with fair representation in the government portfolios, but this outome is leading towards irrational social outcomes like cabinet deadlocks and political confrontations threatening the collective interests of the Lebanese people and the overall country.
    Let us take the example of an electric power plant which is operated on cheap coal. Now the immediate self interest of the enterprise is to generate enormous profit for their shareholders and this is perfectly rational but this motive eventually creates environmental catastrophes to the inhabitants living near the vicinity of the power plant and this is the irrational outcome.
    This is the well known theory of rational irrational theory which is applied in all situations dealing with human behavior and choices.
    Sebouh

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Sebouh,
      Human behaviour often demonstrates the tendency to be rationally irrational. Spatial duopolies are an excellent example of that. Given a 100 meter stretch of a beach front that is equally dense with visitors the two licensed vendors will tend to position their carts at the mid point when logic says that one must be 25 meters away from one end and the other 25 meters away from the other end. Unfortunately they gravitate to the center and hurt themselves as well as their clients.
      That is identical to what both HA and March14 are doing.The current arrangement hurts the ability of each to govern and it hurts also the general welfare of the state.

  3. PROPHET.T Avatar
    PROPHET.T

    Ghassan,
    I don’t doubt for a second that you mean very well in your call for a single color cabinet. You are absolutely correct that this cabinet and the previous one have failed to accomplish anything they were set to do. They have miserably failed in everyway. They can’t even agree to hold regular meetings. This national unity government is a cover up for the deep divisions in our society; and this cover is blown away now.
    That being said, your suggested solution is a short term solution for a short term problem; unless the entire political structure is reformed, this will only serve the majority in place at the time, and for a short time.
    The problem goes beyond lack of homogenous political ideas and goals in one cabinet, to the core of the political structure.
    I can’t see how a majority rule can be effective in a country that does not elect its representatives in a way ,so that it truly reflect true majority representations.
    I’m not calling for the elimination of the sectarian system here( so I would not alarm those who fear being under represented in a nonsectarian system), because I don’t think it is doable either.
    A majority cabinet based on the election system in use now, will open the door for other unforeseen problems. It might be useful to for the majority to accomplish what it desires in the short term, but the minority has no way to hold the ruling majority accountable.
    Unless we address the overall reform needed of the political structure, I’m afraid, Lebanese people will continue to suffer from the leadership and parties who are holding on to the current system.
    We need a true functioning democracy, a modern electoral system (especially tailored to fit the social structure of Lebanon), and a fair and effective justice system, before we can call for majority rule.

    1. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Prophet,
      Of course a single colour cabinet made up of the regular traditional Lebanese politicians will not achieve much yet it will be a step in the right direction. As you probably know, from some of my other posts I would welcome and call for a radical revolutionary change across all our body politic. I favour total secularization, at all levels, an economic policy that is not only progrowth but pro balanced growth and a fairer income distribution, an electoral system based on a small single representative districts and effective laws that will promote an independent judiciary and civil rights for all.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        I ‘m in total agreement with everything you said in your reply to my comment,except for the”small single representative districts”. I prefer a larger district where political parties run for elections instead of sects.
        The divisions are so deep on major issues ( life or death for all),that majority rule could backfire. At least a road-map to reforms must be in place,then I’d take a chance on majority cabinet. I hope things are not as bad as I foresee them.
        I give it to you Ghassan, you are always more optimistic than most .

        1. Ghassankaram Avatar
          Ghassankaram

          Prophet, My preference for a small single representative district is based on the premise that such districts ensure a more personal relationship between the representative and the constituents which is bound to evolve into accountability.. That will lead over time to electing candidates based purely on the merit of their ideas.

      2. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Ghassan,
        For a long time, I believed that small single representative districts are ideal ,until I watched the Municipal election that was held earlier this year, and the way families and subfamilies were the only merit of ideas.
        Like it is not bad enough we elect our representatives based on narrow sectarian bases now ,we’ll elect them based on family connection. Bad enough we are tribes, it might be worse if we become sub tribes.lol

        1. Ghassankaram Avatar
          Ghassankaram

          Prophet,
          I share your concern. That is one reason why ultimately it is all
          about the responsible citizen irrespective of whether it is a small or a
          large district. Unfortunately for us the idea of responsible citizenship has
          not matured , not yet.

      3. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Right on,Ghassan.
        It all comes down to national identity , and to the responsibilities which come with citizenship.
        That’a another tough nut to crack too.lol

    2. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Prophet,
      Of course a single colour cabinet made up of the regular traditional Lebanese politicians will not achieve much yet it will be a step in the right direction. As you probably know, from some of my other posts I would welcome and call for a radical revolutionary change across all our body politic. I favour total secularization, at all levels, an economic policy that is not only progrowth but pro balanced growth and a fairer income distribution, an electoral system based on a small single representative districts and effective laws that will promote an independent judiciary and civil rights for all.

  4. PROPHET.T Avatar
    PROPHET.T

    Ghassan,
    I don’t doubt for a second that you mean very well in your call for a single color cabinet. You are absolutely correct that this cabinet and the previous one have failed to accomplish anything they were set to do. They have miserably failed in everyway. They can’t even agree to hold regular meetings. This national unity government is a cover up for the deep divisions in our society; and this cover is blown away now.
    That being said, your suggested solution is a short term solution for a short term problem; unless the entire political structure is reformed, this will only serve the majority in place at the time, and for a short time.
    The problem goes beyond lack of homogenous political ideas and goals in one cabinet, to the core of the political structure.
    I can’t see how a majority rule can be effective in a country that does not elect its representatives in a way ,so that it truly reflect true majority representations.
    I’m not calling for the elimination of the sectarian system here, because I don’t think it is doable either.
    A majority cabinet based on the election system in use now, will open the door for other unforeseen problems. It might be useful to for the majority to accomplish what it desires in the short term, but the minority has no way to hold the ruling majority accountable.
    Unless we address the overall reform needed of the political structure, I’m afraid, Lebanese people will continue to suffer from the leadership and parties who are holding on to the current system.
    We need a true functioning democracy, a modern electoral system (especially tailored to fit the social structure of Lebanon), and a fair and effective justice system, before we can call for majority rule.

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Prophet,
      Of course a single colour cabinet made up of the regular traditional Lebanese politicians will not achieve much yet it will be a step in the right direction. As you probably know, from some of my other posts I would welcome and call for a radical revolutionary change across all our body politic. I favour total secularization, at all levels, an economic policy that is not only progrowth but pro balanced growth and a fairer income distribution, an electoral system based on a small single representative districts and effective laws that will promote an independent judiciary and civil rights for all.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        I ‘m in total agreement with everything you said in your reply to my comment,except for the”small single representative districts”. I prefer a larger district where political parties run for elections instead of sects.
        I can’t see how a one – color- cabinet can govern under the current system,without dragging the country into a worse situation than it is already in.The divisions are so deep on major issues ( life or death for all),that majority rule could backfire. At least a road-map to reforms must be in place,then I’d take a chance on majority cabinet. I hope things are not as bad as I foresee them.
        I give it to you Ghassan, you are always more optimistic than most .

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Prophet, My preference for a small single representative district is based on the premise that such districts ensure a more personal relationship between the representative and the constituents which is bound to evolve into accountability.. That will lead over time to electing candidates based purely on the merit of their ideas.

      2. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Ghassan,
        For a long time, I believed that small single representative districts are ideal ,until I watched the Municipal election that was held earlier this year, and the way families and subfamilies were the only merit of ideas.
        Like it is not bad enough we elect our representatives based on narrow sectarian bases now ,we’ll elect them based on family connection. Bad enough we are tribes, it might be worse if we become sub tribes.lol

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Prophet,

          I share your concern. That is one reason why ultimately it is all

          about the responsible citizen irrespective of whether it is a small or a

          large district. Unfortunately for us the idea of responsible citizenship has

          not matured , not yet.

      3. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Right on,Ghassan.
        It all comes down to national identity , and to the responsibilities which come with citizenship.
        That’a another tough nut to crack too.lol

  5. Maarab Avatar
    Maarab

    Ghassan, everything you say would be correct if all factions were unarmed. Otherwise, any structure that is implemented would only last as long as the armed party desired that it should. Before any system is established, all those involved must be on equal footing. Otherwise, those who feel weaker will always try to accommodate in other ways for their shortage of power, and those who feel stronger will never have a sense of compromise.

  6. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Ghassan, everything you say would be correct if all factions were unarmed. Otherwise, any structure that is implemented would only last as long as the armed party desired that it should. Before any system is established, all those involved must be on equal footing. Otherwise, those who feel weaker will always try to accommodate in other ways for their shortage of power, and those who feel stronger will never have a sense of compromise.

  7. FilibusterOne Avatar
    FilibusterOne

    Very Briefly, in the US, when there is a disagreement between Senate members, one uses what is known as “Filibuster”, which is a type of parliamentary procedure, specifically, it is a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body whereby one attempts to delay or entirely prevent a vote on a proposal.
    So if this is happening in Lebanon, whether we agree or not with Hezbollah, we should be OK with it, for this is part of a healthy democratic society. Hezbollah in this article has all the democratic rights to “Filibuster” the Government’s agenda in order to find a resolution to the issue they are after. Let us accept the democratic process, specially when it serves the opposite parties, and not only when it serves us. Then and only then, as people, will we start to moving in the right direction and start the healing process and saving our beloved country. So in Brief, a single color cabinet will never serve the purpose, specially here in Lebanon, then we can really say, goodbye democracy, hello totalitarianism and dictatorship.

  8. FilibusterOne Avatar
    FilibusterOne

    Very Briefly, in the US, when there is a disagreement between Senate members, one uses what is known as “Filibuster”, which is a type of parliamentary procedure, specifically, it is a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body whereby one attempts to delay or entirely prevent a vote on a proposal.
    So if this is happening in Lebanon, whether we agree or not with Hezbollah, we should be OK with it, for this is part of a healthy democratic society. Hezbollah in this article has all the democratic rights to “Filibuster” the Government’s agenda in order to find a resolution to the issue they are after. Let us accept the democratic process, specially when it serves the opposite parties, and not only when it serves us. Then and only then, as people, will we start to moving in the right direction and start the healing process and saving our beloved country. So in Brief, a single color cabinet will never serve the purpose, specially here in Lebanon, then we can really say, goodbye democracy, hello totalitarianism and dictatorship.

  9. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Very Briefly, in the US, when there is a disagreement between Senate members, one uses what is known as “Filibuster”, which is a type of parliamentary procedure, specifically, it is a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body whereby one attempts to delay or entirely prevent a vote on a proposal.
    So if this is happening in Lebanon, whether we agree or not with Hezbollah, we should be OK with it, for this is part of a healthy democratic society. Hezbollah in this article has all the democratic rights to “Filibuster” the Government’s agenda in order to find a resolution to the issue they are after. Let us accept the democratic process, specially when it serves the opposite parties, and not only when it serves us. Then and only then, as people, will we start to moving in the right direction and start the healing process and saving our beloved country.

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