We held a frank and responsible meeting today with Dr. Samir Geagea, during which we discussed the key national issues currently on the agenda.

Regarding the state budget, we voted against it because it is unconstitutional due to the absence of a final audited account. It is a budget focused on spending and electoral financing, rather than one that lays the groundwork for reform.

We also discussed the visit of Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal to Florida and Washington, emphasizing that strengthening the Army is fundamental to protecting Lebanon.

During the budget session, we raised a clear question: How can we ask the Army to defend Lebanon when we fail to provide it with adequate support and rely on foreign assistance? And why do certain political forces insist on portraying the Army as weak in order to justify the logic of militias and weapons outside state control?

Our position is clear: there can be no state without a strong army, no strong army without political and financial support, and no protection for Lebanon except through ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by the state, within a national framework and according to a clear timetable.

We also stressed the importance of respecting constitutional electoral deadlines and holding elections on schedule, without any postponement. We further emphasized the need to pass a fair law to address the financial gap and protect depositors’ funds as part of a comprehensive reform plan.

We will continue working with everyone who believes in one state, one authority, and one set of arms—in other words, one Lebanon and one state.