Democracy and Rule of law

In the Lebanese context, transitional justice goes beyond dealing with war memory, reconciliation, and ensuring justice for the victims, the adoption of 'access to justice' as a fundamental principle of every change project is a cornerstone upon which the establishment of an inclusive democratic system can be built. The FES works with various partners to ensure the independence of the judiciary. Justice reformers are committed to promoting judicial independence and fostering a more inclusive legal system.

Parliament is often viewed as the only formal institution capable of initiating change in Lebanon. As a result, the importance of local engagement and its potential for positive influence at various levels is often overlooked.

Meaningful political transformation can begin at the local level by reshaping how citizens interact with political structures and understand democratic participation. Local governance offers a vital entry point for rebuilding the trust in democracy.

Closer cooperation with municipalities especially around transparency, good governance, and citizens participation can help restore public confidence in politics and lay ground for a more inclusive and responsive democratic systems.

The October 17 uprising has opened new horizons for the people of Lebanon, offering fresh perspectives on political and social change. Despite the current difficult situation, small signs of hope and the population's willingness to engage form a solid foundation for building a new infrastructure for medium- and long-term change.

Whether change emerges through pressure from the streets or through parliamentary elections—progressive actors must be well-organized, strategically-structured, and equipped with personnel, capacities, and political alternatives necessary to seize future opportunities for democratic transformation.

Traditional media, through their direct financial and ideological ties to the ruling elites, serve as instruments of propaganda for maintaining the continuity of prevailing systems and power structures. Given the broad scope of freedom of expression, their independence from the ruling class, and their key role in promoting change, an alternative media landscape is one of the essential prerequisites for shaping a new narrative and presenting progressive political alternatives.