Review of the Government Spending on Social Protection in Lebanon

This publication presents the findings of the Review of Government Spending on Social Protection in Lebanon (2017–2024), led by the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan. The review analyzes government allocations and actual spending on social protection over the period 2017–2024, examining trends in financing, budget execution, and expenditure distribution across social protection pillars, beneficiary groups, and lifecycle risks. It highlights the significant decline in the real value of social protection spending due to currency depreciation, the concentration of resources in social insurance and public sector pensions, and persistent challenges related to efficiency, equity, and coverage. The report aims to inform fiscal and social policy reforms and support evidence-based decision-making for the implementation of Lebanon’s National Social Protection Strategy. The review was conducted with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and co-funded by the European Union.