Lebanese Security Chief Fears Political Paralysis, Social Collapse

An aerial view of the Ashrafieh district of Lebanon's capital Beirut is seen as streets empty to minimize social contact as part of efforts against the coronavirus. (AFP)

A senior Lebanese security official has said the risk of political paralysis has increased since an election produced a fractured parliament last month, warning of a possible "disaster" because there is no majority to legislate.

Major General Abbas Ibrahim also said he was concerned about social instability, saying this worried him more than political instability in a country suffering one of the world's sharpest financial meltdowns.