Lebanese President Michel Aoun stated that he will not leave his position until he has revealed every corrupt individual, but he placed the responsibility of reviving the country on his successor, reiterating his blame on the Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh for the current financial situation.
During his meeting with the newly elected executive council of the Maronite League, Aoun mentioned that if Lebanon had sufficient financial resources, it could have helped its citizens overcome their current circumstances. However, the country's debts have reached $168 billion amid a halt in reconstruction and the absence of auditing and accountability. He reaffirmed his struggle to achieve the approval of forensic auditing by the government to identify those responsible for the country's situation, emphasizing that the central bank is responsible for maintaining currency value, and the Governor of the bank is accountable for its funds.
Aoun pointed out that the government approved forensic auditing on March 26, 2020, after a fierce battle, noting that obstacles are still being gradually addressed to put it on the path to implementation. He mentioned facing obstacles and pressures in his effort to approve forensic auditing, as some have not approved capital control, leading to the loss of depositors' funds and the flight of capital abroad. He believes that the current reality is a result of the cumulative practices of this group over previous years, which sought to avoid constitutional implementation.
Aoun rejected accusations of trying to impose a presidential system, stating, "When I attempted to implement the constitution, they accused me of enforcing a presidential system, while they are working towards bankrupting Lebanon instead of fixing the situation and reviving its economy." He emphasized, "I do not want to establish a presidential system; I want to be a president," while stressing that he will not leave his position until he has exposed every corrupt individual, insisting that "the responsibility of reviving the country will fall on my successor," and he urged for "encouraging honest and courageous individuals to assume power after the end of his term."
In parallel, Aoun confirmed that "an economic plan will soon be finalized to mark the beginning of economic recovery," wishing for "the retrieval of the largest percentage of depositors' funds and the initiation of the revival process."
Regarding current debates, President Aoun criticized the situation where some defend insults as free speech, emphasizing the need for reform in the judiciary, as well as other institutions. He stated, "There can be no reform as long as institutions are controlled; corruption will prevail and push the country backwards."
In response to a question, President Aoun clarified that "the consensual political system in Lebanon operates with three heads, so if one of the heads disagrees, no decision can be made." He stated, "In this way, a country cannot be governed, which is why I proposed expanded and financial decentralization; however, the parliamentary committee tasked with completing its study has accomplished nothing in this regard."
