Cabinet met on Jan. 15, 2026 at the Serail. (Credit: Photo taken from the Presidency X account)
Describing the appointment of Gracia Azzi as head of the Customs Administration by Cabinet on Thursday, an official told L’Orient-Le Jour, “It’s the wrong appointment, yet again.”This appointment sparked strong outrage in certain political and popular circles, because Azzi is facing legal charges in a corruption case, as well as in the Beirut port explosion case.Her appointment is the result of a broad political compromise, which contrasts with the promises of change made by the new authority, represented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This is not the first time that government appointments have sparked controversy.Her case gives the impression that the country is still plagued by bad practices, sectarianism, and clientelism, and is still far from the reforms and promises of transparency and change made by the...
Describing the appointment of Gracia Azzi as head of the Customs Administration by Cabinet on Thursday, an official told L’Orient-Le Jour, “It’s the wrong appointment, yet again.”This appointment sparked strong outrage in certain political and popular circles, because Azzi is facing legal charges in a corruption case, as well as in the Beirut port explosion case.Her appointment is the result of a broad political compromise, which contrasts with the promises of change made by the new authority, represented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This is not the first time that government appointments have sparked controversy.Her case gives the impression that the country is still plagued by bad practices, sectarianism, and clientelism, and is still far from the reforms and promises of transparency and change made...
