France urges Lebanese political class to form government ‘without delay’

BEIRUT — A spokesperson of France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing Friday, urging Lebanese authorities to “act without delay” to form a government capable of implementing the reforms specified by the International Monetary Fund.

Here’s what we know:

  • The statement called on Prime Minister Najib Mikati to form a government “capable of implementing emergency measures and structural reforms as negotiated with the IMF,” and stressed the importance of avoiding delays in presidential elections. In response to a question about French efforts to “save Lebanon,” the spokesperson vowed to “remain fully engaged alongside the Lebanese people.”

  • Asked about offshore gas resources, which recently provoked Lebanon-Israel tensions after the latter deployed an exploration vessel to a contested area with the aim of extracting gas, the statement said “France supports any effort likely to contribute to regional stability. We encourage the parties to continue, in order to move towards a negotiated settlement needed for stability and collective prosperity.”

  • Since the onset of the economic crisis in 2019 France has repeatedly offered support to Lebanon. After the Aug. 4, 2020, port blast, France presented a series of reforms prerequisite to Lebanon’s accessing international aid; These were never implemented, due to internal political issues. The delays in carrying out reforms have been criticized by French president Emmanuel Macron, who also played a mediating role during the diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf states.