President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at his residence. They discussed matters concerning Dar al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that his discussion with His Eminence focused on assessing the economic situation following the end of Banque du Liban Governor Riad Salameh’s term, as well as the government’s handling of this matter, particularly given that it had made no attempt to change the negative approach that had characterized the Governor’s performance and Banque du Liban’s policies over the past 30 years.
He added that it was unacceptable for the government and the Minister of Energy to be at odds over opening credit lines and resolving the newly emerging electricity crisis, especially amid the numerous crises facing the country, foremost among them the school crisis as the start of the academic year approaches.
He continued: “His Eminence and I discussed the issue of banking sector restructuring, which the International Monetary Fund considers a fundamental condition for investment to return to our country. We also discussed lifting banking secrecy. I submitted a draft law to lift it on the first of this month, but the government, which has no interest in passing this law because doing so would threaten the interests of the ruling class, has paid no attention to this matter.”
Makhzoumi considered that the recent incidents in several areas were obstacles to the return of investment and the attraction of investors. He stressed that these incidents required urgent action and coordination among all parties to ensure they were not repeated and to prevent any repercussions arising from them.
He said: “We appreciate the French initiative to resolve the presidential crisis and thank France for its continued assistance and support for Lebanon. However, a solution must begin with coordination among domestic parties, rather than adopting a passive stance and waiting for an external solution to an issue we consider a priority. Only then can the required reforms be implemented and banking secrecy lifted.”
He added: “The economic situation is extremely dire, and people are facing difficult circumstances. We call on those who are financially able and better off to stand by our people as much as possible during these challenging times.”