Lebanon's electricity crisis rattles government as Energy Minister announces cabinet boycott

Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi announced his withdrawal from cabinet sessions in a protest against what he described as the government's failure to respond to the proposals he submitted for addressing the electricity crisis and ensuring a continuous power supply across the country.

The minister clarified that he would, at the same time, continue to carry out his ministerial duties, signalling that his decision is limited to not attending cabinet sessions and does not amount to a full withdrawal from his governmental responsibilities.

This move comes against the backdrop of a protracted electricity crisis that Lebanon has been grappling with for years, amid difficulties in financing and operating the energy sector and persistent complaints about power outages affecting citizens and various economic sectors.

The Lebanese government has yet to issue an official response to the minister's withdrawal or to the proposals he said were met with no engagement.

This development comes at a time when political and economic stakeholders in Lebanon are closely watching the government's approach to the energy file, which remains one of the most pressing issues facing the Lebanese government.