Socio-economic challenges in Lebanon's Bekaa region

Lebanese officials and religious leaders have convened to address worsening social and economic conditions in the Zahle and Bekaa regions. Minister of Social Affairs Hanin El Sayed met with Archbishop Ibrahim Mikhail Ibrahim to discuss rising poverty levels, which reportedly exceeded 30 percent prior to recent conflicts. The discussions focused on the necessity of state and church partnerships to strengthen social safety nets for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Following these discussions, the Bishops of Zahle and Bekaa held a meeting to address broader demographic and economic concerns. The council highlighted the impact of migration and land sales on the local Christian population, emphasizing the need to preserve the community's social presence. Other key issues raised included the rising costs of religious education in public schools and the urgent need for practical solutions to the ongoing economic crisis to alleviate citizen suffering.