The Political Isolation Law, passed by Congress on 5th May, could have far-reaching consequences. According to some estimates, as many as half a million people could lose their jobs if they are found to have been too closely associated with the Ghaddafi regime.
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has said that the law will necessitate a cabinet re-shuffle, and will delay the implementation of development projects throughout Libya. This could cost the country dearly.
For the moment at least, Zeidan can take some small comfort from the fact that the sieges of government ministries have ended; on the other hand, what was beginning to look like a coup d’état has been seen off by pro-government protestors, while the state's security forces could only look on.
Despite the unrest, the closing of more embassies, and BP's withdrawal of foreign staff from the country, we are seeing some increased activity in oil-related tenders, which we will publish here over the coming days.
