New Economy Minister Amine Salam (right) and his predecessor Raoul Nehmeh are photographed during the ministry’s handover ceremony. (Credit: Magaly Abboud/L’Orient-Le Jour)
BEIRUT — Three more ministries have been handed over to their new ministers. At their respective handovers, the economy, industry and education ministers each highlighted their primary concerns as they prepare to run the country.
Here’s what we know:
• Incoming Economy Minister Amine Salam made it clear during his ministry’s handover ceremony that his priority will be to launch the ration card program, in an attempt to “lighten the burden on citizens” and protect consumers. Lifting subsidies will “have an impact on the entire production of consumer goods, and the ration cards will therefore help ease the burden on citizens,” Salam said.
• Affirming his commitment to preparing an economic recovery plan, Salam said his second priority will be consumer protection and overseeing the quality and prices of products in the market.
• During the transfer of duties at the Industry Ministry, new incoming minister Georges Bouchikian placed some of the blame for the country’s economic crisis on its import dependency, saying, “over-importation has caused many problems and accelerated the bankruptcy of the state.” He added that he will work to find solutions that “meet the needs of citizens from the local industry, ensuring high quality products and competitive prices.”
• At the Education Ministry the incoming minister Abbas Halabi expressed his commitment to overseeing a safe return to classroom learning in the coming academic year, despite inflation, rising fuel prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. “I don't have a magic wand,” he said, “but I will spare no effort to reduce the difficulties” the education sector is facing.