Can the ‘Revolving Door’ be adopted as a policy in the Lebanese context?
The ‘Revolving Door’ concept refers to the movement of individuals between roles in government and positions in the private sector, or vice versa, and is common in countries with well-established regulatory systems and transparent governance. When considering whether it can be adopted as a policy in the Lebanese context, several factors must be considered.
First, we need to consider Lebanon’s ongoing struggle with corruption and lack of transparency. Without proper safeguards, a revolving door policy could worsen these issues, allowing private interests to influence public policy in ways that are neither fair nor transparent. This could be risky, especially in a country where trust in government is already fragile.
For such a policy to work, Lebanon would need to introduce strict regulations. These could include cooling-off periods (where government officials are prevented from immediately moving into private sector roles), full disclosure of past employment, and strong rules against conflicts of interest. Otherwise, it could lead to greater public mistrust.
On the flip side, this policy could actually benefit Lebanon by bringing skilled professionals from the private sector into government roles, helping to modernize and strengthen public institutions. But again, this would only work if ethical standards are upheld and the right safeguards are in place.
Countries that have implemented the revolving door successfully, like the U.S. and in the EU, have managed to do so because they have clear and enforced regulations. Lebanon would need to follow suit, adopting best practices to ensure transparency and accountability. Otherwise, it could backfire.
Of course, for this to happen, there needs to be political will. And in Lebanon, where the political landscape is so fragmented and there are many entrenched interests, that kind of reform could face resistance. But with the right push—from both the public and international actors—it’s possible.
While the revolving door policy could, in theory, enhance the flow of talent between the private and public sectors in Lebanon, it would require strong regulatory safeguards, transparency, and commitment to combat corruption. Without these protections, the policy could be more harmful than beneficial in the Lebanese context.
🎧 Tune in to the latest European Parliamentary Research Service podcast on 'Rules on Revolving Doors in the EU'. This episode features our Inquiries Officer Koen Roovers, who discusses the implications of public officials moving to the private sector and presents our work in this area.