Economic crisis and political turmoil have forced the citizens of Lebanon to the streets in protest. The government caused the demonstrations due to imposing new taxes and refusal to move ahead on reforms. These demonstrations are probably going to continue with major impacts on the political culture of Lebanon. The country seems to be slipping into instability and memories of the civil war remain fresh in the minds of the older generation. So far, these protests are becoming more effective with the resignation of Saad Hariri. The fear as that the country could become more erratic if he left office. However, his inability to solve basic problems related to Lebanon have damaged his political career. The question remains whether or not the Future Movement will remain a political force in the country. Growing unemployment, fiscal austerity, and a network of government corruption has caused mass public discord. Political factionalism and sectarianism could tear the country apart. This further complicates matters when the civil war in Syria is active and Israel seeks to challenge Hezbollah. When it was announced that ex-finance minister Mohammed Safadi was going to run for Prime Minister , this only vexed the public more. Protests in Tripoli and Beirut erupted with the announcement of his nomination. Safadi withdrew his nomination, yet there still is no prime minister. The next government faces the challenge of meeting public demands and programs of reform.
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