The Parliamentary elections in May saw the change movement gain some 13 seats, including some of the participants of ARA’s year-long “Leaders of Change” project. However, the change movement, both in and outside of parliament, does not always move as a political bloc, while the movement as a whole lacks unity. Hence, ARA sought to continue its efforts in accompanying the movement by transforming the Leaders of Change project into a new format: “Agora” dialogue gatherings.
By bringing together a set of key leaders in the movement, the people that either were important candidates but stepped back in the elections to make space for others, or that were close to getting elected, we seek to both help bring the diverse perspectives within the change movement closer, as well as to clarify publicly what the movement’s stance is towards important issues. The first dialogue gathering was held in July with 11 participants, representing the change movement in all its diversity, to discuss the sovereign wealth fund proposed by the government to address the economic crisis. The result of the discussion is published in the form of a white paper, both in English and Arabic.
Over the coming months, regular Agora gatherings will be held to discuss crucial constitutional issues, such as the separation of powers, sovereignty of Lebanon, a sectarian senate, and others. After each gathering, a white paper will be published.