President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar al-Fatwa. He was accompanied by Diplomatic Adviser and former Ambassador Dr. Bassam Naimani, and Makhzoumi Foundation Director General Samer Safah. They discussed matters concerning Dar al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the visit was intended to discuss the latest developments facing the country. He noted that the current day marked the final day of fuel subsidies, further worsening the economic situation. He pointed out that Parliament would begin its sessions on Wednesday to discuss several issues, foremost among them the state budget.
“Our duty is to legislate in the interests of citizens, whether on matters related to healthcare, education, or living conditions,” he continued. He questioned whether it was reasonable to approve a budget in which salaries were calculated at an exchange rate of LBP 1,500 to the U.S. dollar, while taxes and customs duties were paid at exchange rates of LBP 20,000, 25,000, and 30,000 to the dollar.
Makhzoumi said that the current economic situation required everyone to work together in the interests of Lebanese citizens. He added that, for this reason, they had confirmed their participation in the “Bringing Together” dialogue and consultative conference called by His Eminence for September 24. He noted that many issues needed to be discussed, particularly those affecting citizens’ livelihoods, legislation, and the recovery plan that the government had yet to work on.
He stressed that Lebanon needed a government immediately, but not one subordinate to the existing ruling establishment or one that continued the same prevailing approach. He pointed out that, since the government was formed, the country’s economic, social, and living conditions had continued to deteriorate. “We want a government that works around the clock to resolve our problems and develop a recovery plan,” he said.
Makhzoumi also asked whether it was reasonable for Parliament’s Finance and Budget Committee to approve a draft law lifting banking secrecy, only for the General Assembly to amend it by removing retroactive effect, thereby granting clearance for all financial crimes. He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rejected this draft.
Makhzoumi stressed the need for joint efforts to find solutions that would rescue the country. He noted that electing a president of the republic was a pivotal constitutional milestone and emphasized the importance of everyone calling for a sovereign, reform-minded president capable of leading the country toward recovery and implementing the required reforms.
“We, in the Tajaddod Bloc, have been calling since July 15 for the election of a president who embodies these qualities: a president made in Lebanon, a sovereign president committed to the country’s recovery, who does not take instructions from non-Lebanese forces,” he concluded.
