Despite deep political divisions between the sectarian parties that dominate public life, there is a remarkable degree of convergence over economic policy in Lebanon. A liberal tradition has characterised the economy since independence, with political elites such as the Hariri family, the Jumblatt family, Hizbollah and the powerful Maronite Christian groups invested in the country's lucrative financial services, tourism and construction sectors. No significant politician or party has articulated a platform that opposes the fundamental openness of the Lebanese economy or denies the importance of foreign investment to the country's economic prosperity.
Nationalisation of assets is highly unlikely; the proposed privatisation of state institutions such as power and utilities company Électricité du Liban and Lebanon's mobile telephone operators enjoys wide support in principle, with influence groups far more likely to delay the process over competition for revenues and businesses than opposition to privatisation. The nationalisation of private businesses, foreign or domestic, has no important advocates in Parliament or government. Further, much of the substantial international economic aid that Lebanon receives to help service its large public debt burden is conditional on progress in privatisation and economic openness.
