BEIRUT // Lebanon could face a mass workers' strike in the coming weeks, as the country faces growing pressure amid a political deadlock over the formation of the next cabinet.
Ghassan Ghosn, the president of the General Labour Confederation, said on Friday that discussions are ongoing in preparation for a general strike.
The warning of a mass walkout comes as Lebanese authorities face growing domestic pressure for their failure to form a new administration now more than four months after the previous government collapsed.
The lack of political leadership has deepened social problems, notably inflation and low salaries, according to workers and union activists.
"We are calling for and suggesting to go on a general strike for all sectors," Mr Ghosn said in an interview.
"It should happen - what is going on the economic side is a social crisis. The Lebanese are paying a heavy load of debt without a government to solve these issues."
Mr Ghosn said a general strike was fast becoming the "only way" left to put pressure on the country's politicians to discuss the problems in Lebanon.
"The lack of government is one factor that is adding to the problems the people are already facing," he said. "The [new] government should reconsider economic and social policies, the question of social security and wages and the high rises in prices."
Since the collapse of caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri's government in January, the prime minister designate Nejib Miqati has struggled to form a new cabinet that satisfies all members of the March 8 coalition, the political bloc that nominated him for the post.
Among the main roadblocks has been the distribution of key portfolios, specifically the interior ministry. In recent weeks there has been some hope that a deal would be imminent, but lack of agreement on the ministerial line-up remains. Mr Ghosn stressed that the "people's needs" could not wait much longer in the midst of such "heavy problems".
Last week, tens of thousands of teachers held a day-long strike, forcing the closure of many schools across the country. Tony Mahfoud, the Teachers' Syndicate president for the north of Lebanon, said he and his fellow members walked out to protest the political stalemate.
"The people have been without a government for more than four months and the economic situation is very bad," Mr Mahfoud said. "The people cannot wait any longer. We want to tell all politicians - from March 14 and March 8 - you have to hurry up. This is a cry of the people."
The teachers' strike was due to be followed by a day of protests by members of the transportation sector. The strike was called off after a last-minute deal was struck, between unions and the interim ministry of finance, with promises of government subsidies.
A Beirut-based taxi driver, who did not want his name published. was one of many Lebanese who were disappointed that the strike was cancelled.
"We need our issues solved by a government. Things like the high price of gasoline, the cost of maintaining our cars, everything," he said. "There's nobody representing the people."
Amid the political vacuum, life for "all the Lebanese" is becoming increasingly challenging, the taxi driver said.
"We work hard, 18 hours a day. I pay my taxes and work, but for what? If I need to buy a house, I can't. If I need a new car, I can't. We can't save money. We can only eat. That's it. Nobody is happy," he said.
Imad Salamey, a professor of political science at the Lebanese American University, said the political impasse was having a negative effect on the economy. Even so, he doesn't believe a new government will automatically ease the situation.
"If there is someone in charge they can be held responsible, which could create deeper divisions. In the current vacuum no one can be held accountable for what's going on," Mr Salamey said. "I do expect industrial action to take place … but there is no one to really strike against or demand action from."
Late last week, the United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, Michael Williams, repeated a call for a Lebanese government to be formed. Mr Williams also stressed the negative economic effect of a prolonged stalemate.
Jeffrey Feltman, the United States assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and North African affairs, held talks in Beirut on Friday with Michel Suleiman, the Lebanese president, and Mr Miqati.
Following the meetings, the US released a statement reiterating that future relations between the international community and Lebanon would be contingent on the make-up of the next Lebanese cabinet.
Mr Hariri's government crumbled earlier this year following months of disputes over a UN-backed tribunal on the 2005 assassination of his father, former prime minister Rafiq Hariri. Cabinet members allied with the Hizbollah-led March 8 coalition resigned on January 12 in protest over what they described as a politicised investigation.
The US statement released after Mr Feltman's visit said the world would be watching Beirut closely for "the actions it takes in regard to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon".
