Lebanese President Aoun declares war on corruption: “Lebanon’s issue is not insolvency but theft”

BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to combating corruption, asserting that Lebanon is not bankrupt but “robbed.” Addressing a delegation from the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association, Aoun emphasized that 90% of his efforts are directed toward fighting corruption, which he identified as the root cause of Lebanon’s crisis.

“Lebanon’s issue is not insolvency but theft,” Aoun declared, accusing beneficiaries of the dysfunctional system of obstructing reforms to safeguard their corrupt gains. Despite these challenges, he stressed that the reform process has already begun and will not be halted.

President Aoun urged Lebanese citizens, both at home and abroad, to maintain faith in the country. He acknowledged that while progress remains insufficient, it provides a foundation to steer Lebanon back onto the right path.

During a recent Cabinet session, Aoun commended the successful organization of municipal elections, which he described as a victory for institutional processes amid attempts at disruption. The high voter turnout in southern Lebanon was particularly notable, reflecting public dedication to democratic practices.

In alignment with the reforms required to unlock international aid, the government, under Aoun’s leadership and convened by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, finalized appointments to the Council for Development and Reconstruction. Key positions were filled, with Ghassan Kheirallah appointed Secretary-General, Yusef Karam and Ibrahim Shahrour as Vice Presidents, and Ziad Nasr as Government Commissioner.

These appointments meet a crucial condition set by the World Bank to release a $250 million emergency loan. The restructured Council is tasked with coordinating reconstruction projects in collaboration with international organizations, addressing Lebanon’s intricate financial and administrative challenges.

Aoun remains resolute in his campaign against corruption and his vision for a reformed Lebanon, insisting that the momentum for change will not be reversed.