Finance Minister Yassine Jaber during a press conference at the ministry in Beirut on Feb. 27. (Credit: Archive photo released by the Ministry of Finance)
BEIRUT — The Finance Ministry on Tuesday acknowledged shortcomings highlighted in a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on governance and corruption, while pointing to reforms it says have been implemented to improve transparency, accountability and public finances.
The report, an internal IMF document drafted in October and partially revealed by L’Orient Today before its official release this week, offers a harsh assessment of the governance failures and institutional dysfunctions that contributed to Lebanon's economic and financial collapse.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said it "understands the points raised in the report," including its assessment of measures needed to strengthen governance, transparency and accountability and restore trust in state institutions. It said the report's recommendations provide "an important framework for supporting reform momentum and enhancing transparency and accountability."
While acknowledging the shortcomings identified by the IMF in the context of Lebanon's prolonged crises, the ministry highlighted measures it said had already been taken in public finance. These include adhering to "constitutional deadlines for budget adoption since 2024," halting the use of borrowing from Banque du Liban (BDL, central bank), as well as "ending, starting in 2025, the use of Treasury advances."
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to continue reforms and strengthen cooperation with the IMF and international partners.
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