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Michel Aoun described the government’s political paralysis as “deliberate and systematic” in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis.
Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese President Michel Aoun has called for an “urgent” national dialogue between the country’s governing parties, which has condemned the government’s months of political paralysis.
“The deliberate, systematic and unjustified rupture that leads to the dissolution of institutions and the dissolution of the state must be stopped,” Aoun said in a televised speech on Monday, adding that he feared it could lead to “state ruin.”
The Lebanese cabinet under Prime Minister Najib Mikati has not met since October 12 due to clashes over the investigation into last year’s deadly port bombing in Beirut and the ongoing diplomatic rupture with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states.
As a result, the government has been unable to take swift action to address the country’s seriousness economic crisis.
Since August 2019, the Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 percent of its value to more than three-quarters of its population. it slipped into poverty.
The country’s inflation rate has surpassed that of Venezuela and Zimbabwe hit by the crisis. The World Bank says the financial crisis in Lebanon in the 19th century that it is one of the worst since the middle of the twentieth century.
Last week, Aoun said Lebanon needs “Six or seven years” to get out of the crisis.
In a speech on Monday, the Lebanese president also criticized parliament for not approving major economic and structural reforms.
“Obstacles in parliament have helped dismantle the state,” he said.
“The capital control law had to be passed two years and two months ago, and it would help revive it financially.”
The international community has been pushing Lebanon for years to reform its economy, establish anti-corruption mechanisms and reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to unlock billions of dollars in development aid.
Friction with Hezbollah
In his speech, Aoun also expressed tensions with Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been a key ally of the Free Nationalist Movement for 16 years.
Lebanon said it wanted strong ties with the Gulf countries, as tensions have risen over the past year.
Lebanon is struggling to resolve a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as it has been critical of Hezbollah over its role in Yemen and other conflicts in the region.
“What justifies strengthening relations with these countries and intervening in our affairs?” asked Aoun.
Aoun said only Lebanese security agencies should take the lead in the country’s defense strategy.
“It is true that the defense of the homeland requires cooperation between the army, the people and the resistance,” Aoun said.
“But the primary responsibility lies with the state. Only the state implements the defense strategy and guarantees its implementation. “
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