BEIRUT — Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a circular on Thursday addressed to "all public institutions and state-affiliated establishments asking them to submit their accounts for an internal and independent audit," the state-run National News Agency reports.

According to the government statement, the audit must be conducted "by an accredited audit firm, in accordance with Article 73 of the 2001 budget law, in order to enhance transparency, combat corruption, pursue its perpetrators, ensure the proper functioning of institutions, and prevent the waste of public funds."

On Monday, the new head of government presented his Asset and Interest Declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The law requires that anyone holding a public office from the 4th category up to the position of President of the Republic must file their declaration shortly after taking office. If this is not done, the individual is considered resigned, among other legal consequences.

Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by decades of corruption and a lack of transparency. The management of public finances is regularly brought into question, marked by mismanagement, waste of public funds, and unchecked corruption within the Lebanese administration.