Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Baabda, Jan. 14, 2024. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient-Le Jour)
On the occasion of the 100th day since his government gained the confidence of Parliament, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam gave an initial account of his actions, emphasizing his team's commitment to implementing the necessary reforms, despite numerous obstacles.
"I want to assure you of our determination to implement our program, despite the obstacles and difficulties on our path," said Salam in a televised address, delivered on the eve of Eid al-Adha.
Recalling the gravity of the situation upon his arrival in power, in a country plagued by "five years of crises, exacerbated by Israeli aggression," the head of the government emphasized that "saving" Lebanon "is not possible without a genuine reform process, to build a modern state, regain the trust of the Lebanese people, Arab countries and the international community and achieve a sustainable economic and social recovery."
Dismantling of more than 500 military positions
In terms of security, Salam assured that "the state continues its mission, as outlined by the Taif Agreement, to extend its authority over the entire Lebanese territory and reserve weapons for legitimate institutions." "The Lebanese Army has so far dismantled more than 500 military sites south of the Litani," he said.
However, the head of the government warned, "We will not be able to achieve stability as long as Israeli violations persist, the occupation of some of our lands continues, and our prisoners are not released." "We will continue to press for a full withdrawal of Israel, in accordance with U.N. Resolution 1701, to rebuild what has been destroyed and to ensure the dignified return of our displaced residents," he assured.
He also indicated that the authority of the state has been strengthened at Beirut's airport. "We have made administrative, technical and security changes, removed partisan images and detained those who assaulted UNIFIL forces," Salam emphasized.
Regarding the Syrian-Lebanese border, he said he has established joint committees with Damascus to "control the borders, combat smuggling and prepare for delimitation" of the borders. The head of the government also stated that he is working with the Syrian authorities and international bodies to ensure a "dignified and secure return for Syrian refugees."
'Against the very idea of canceling deposits'
On the economic front, Salam adopted an approach based on transparency and restoring trust. "We have lifted banking secrecy ... and approved the draft law on the restructuring of the banking sector," he recalled. "Our economic vision is not based on illusions, but on correcting past mistakes and reforming our financial and banking system."
He added that the government is finalizing a law concerning the distribution of losses, which is "essential to do justice and recover citizens' deposits."
On this point, Salam firmly stated, "I repeat clearly: I am against the very idea of canceling deposits. This is an ethical, consistent and unambiguous position." "Our aim is not to destroy banks, but to rehabilitate a healthy sector, serving the economy and the people," he added.
Negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) "are progressing seriously," he affirmed. "The IMF is neither an enemy nor a savior, but a tool that we must use wisely."
Institutional reforms: 'Let justice do its work'
Salam recalled that several institutional reforms are underway, with his priorities being to "restore the credibility of the administration and strengthen the independence of the judiciary." In this context, he recalled that the government has adopted a bill on the independence of the judiciary and launched an initiative to expedite the trials of detainees in Lebanese prisons, notably in Roumieh. He took the opportunity to reaffirm the necessity of reviving the investigation into the Beirut port explosion. "Let justice do its work," he said.
He also mentioned the implementation of a new recruitment mechanism in the public sector, based on "transparency and merit," as well as the appointment of new members at the head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR).
The prime minister also spoke about the fight against the corruption of public property, notably with "the suspension of illegal quarrying extensions."
Reconstruction
In terms of reconstruction, Salam announced a $250 million loan from the World Bank and the launch of projects with U.N. agencies, valued at over $350 million for the South.
He concluded by announcing two major events: "In the coming months, we will organize an international reconstruction conference, as well as another to attract investments."
The prime minister emphasized the necessity of strengthening Lebanon's regional anchorage, recalling that "the president has made several visits abroad to place Lebanon back on the regional and international map. As for me, I have visited Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and represented Lebanon at the Arab summit in Baghdad. These steps are aimed at reviving our role in our Arab environment and opening a new page of constructive cooperation."
He also mentioned, notably, "a tourism strategy to encourage the return of visitors, particularly those from Gulf countries."
Public services: 'What we are doing is not an achievement'
In the domain of public services, the head of the government spoke about several objectives, including "reforming the electricity sector, with a plan for production, distribution and renewable energies," as well as an effort to "improve the quality of telecommunications." He also announced "additional funding for the Aman program, which currently benefits nearly 800,000 vulnerable people." The government, he added, is also working on "a sustainable solution for salaries, pensions and retirement of civil servants."
Politically, Salam expressed satisfaction with the organization, "for the first time in nine years, of municipal and local elections in complete neutrality," as well as the launch of preparations for the next legislative elections.
The prime minister also highlighted growth projects "based on the support of agriculture, industry, digital technology, culture and education." He recalled the ongoing rehabilitation of the Camille Chamoun Sports City and insisted on the development of "all regions of the country in a balanced manner." "I visited the South, the Bekaa, the North and relaunched the project for the Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat," he said, noting that a master plan is being developed, followed by a feasibility study.
"What we are doing is not an achievement, but the minimum to regain the trust of the Lebanese people and restore a dignified life," assured Salam. "This is our duty, and we will assume it until the last minute. As during these first 100 days, nothing will make us back down from our reform mission, and we will continue to work to save Lebanon."
This article was translated from L'Orient-Le Jour.
