Lebanese health and education woes risk instability

Significance This is having highly negative economic and social consequences, with problematic implications for long-term growth and stability. The country’s already extreme inequality is becoming even more egregious, as Lebanese and refugees unable to afford private hospitals and schools suffer. Impacts Lebanese elites will not undertake reforms needed to unlock an IMF programme and economic rescue. Growing poverty and insecurity will feed organised crime and potentially incubate militant groups, worsening regional instability. European countries will face growing numbers of migrants departing from Lebanon, both Lebanese and other nationals.