There is no salvation for Lebanon from the crisis except through reform

The Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Al-Shami, issued the following statement:

“On the second anniversary of the agreement at the staff level with the International Monetary Fund on an economic and financial reform program on April 7, 2022, which was approved by the three presidents at that time and approved shortly thereafter in the Council of Ministers, we have not yet been able to reach a final agreement with… The Fund does not seem to be close to achieving such an agreement, because we have only completed a small part of the procedures that entitle Lebanon to obtain financial aid from the International Monetary Fund, other international institutions, and salty countries.”

He added: “It is unfortunate that nearly five years after the outbreak of the economic crisis, and in a country with great human potential, we remain without solutions to put Lebanon on the path to recovery and to help most Lebanese people get out of their suffering and pain.” But ask about politics, and ask about conflicting interests and intertwined interests to find the answer.”

He continued: “The world’s interest in Lebanon has begun to wane after most Lebanese officials, of all components and affiliations, refrained from taking bold and difficult decisions to address a crisis of this magnitude. On this occasion, I once again affirm that there is no salvation for Lebanon from the economic and social crisis except through reform, and that all policy makers must stand before their responsibilities and before history to save Lebanon from its ordeal. If politics divides, economics must unite.”

He concluded: “Adhering to the shadow plan will exacerbate the crisis because it will complete the dissolution of more deposits, maintain the absence of public services, the deterioration of infrastructure, the continued migration of skilled youth, and the increase in the poverty rate.” Also, betting that the Lebanese will adapt to the new reality constitutes in itself a crime against the nation. Yes, Lebanon will not end, and Lebanon will remain, but the question is which Lebanon we want.”