Under the title "Important Decision Against Corruption in Lebanon: European MP Reveals," the Al Arabiya website reported that while the new government is preparing to reveal its ministerial statement, which is akin to an outline of its work program in the coming days, a member of the European Parliament announced an important decision that will be issued in the coming hours regarding Lebanon.
European MP Christophe Grudler explained in a brief video clip on his official Twitter account that the parliament will issue an important decision today against corrupt politicians in Lebanon. He added that this decision will include several points, primarily condemning the obstruction of the investigation into the devastating explosion that occurred at the Beirut port in August 2020, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Furthermore, the decision will condemn the refusal of the parliament and all political factions to approve the financial and economic rescue plan.
The decision will also include the swift imposition of European sanctions against corrupt individuals in the country, including politicians and businessmen. Grudler clarified that this decision comes in support of the Lebanese people, who are suffering from an unprecedented crisis, as living conditions have deteriorated, the local currency has lost most of its purchasing power, prices have skyrocketed, and approximately 85% of the Lebanese population is now below the poverty line. Additionally, the crises related to fuel, electricity, and others have worsened.
He emphasized that the anticipated decision will be very strict and powerful, aimed at putting an end to rampant corruption and external interventions, as he put it.
Regarding the investigations into the Beirut explosion, the judicial investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar, has faced accusations of "politicization" from major political forces, notably Hezbollah, the strongest military force in the country, in addition to a gathering of former prime ministers, particularly after he charged former Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
Furthermore, the parliament, which has long been headed by Nabih Berri, the head of the Amal Movement and an ally of Hezbollah, has recently refused to lift the immunity of three MPs who previously held ministerial positions related to the Beirut port for questioning. Additionally, former Interior Minister refused to grant Bitar permission to interrogate the Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim.
Regarding the country's monetary and financial situation, Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh faces numerous allegations of corruption and illicit profit, with international bodies in France and Switzerland previously initiating investigations into him.
