Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reaffirmed that parliamentary elections will take place on their scheduled date (May 15), announcing progress in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He emphasized that comments made by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami regarding Lebanon's bankruptcy were a scientific description of the reality, and that the uproar surrounding it was intentionally aimed at spreading despair, as cited by Minister of Information Ziad Makari.
During a cabinet meeting held at the Grand Serail on Wednesday, Mikati talked about the meetings held with the IMF delegation, pointing out that "there has been fundamental progress in addressing the key issues related to the economic recovery program that the government intends to sign with the fund". He confirmed that "discussions are still ongoing, and we will agree on all points. Then we will present the matter to the council of ministers, alongside the completion of the required reforms from Lebanon and the approval of related projects, proposals, and decrees."
Mikati referenced Al-Shami's comments on Lebanon's bankruptcy, stating: "It is true that we are facing a difficult social and economic reality that the Lebanese are suffering from, but we will certainly not surrender, and we will continue to work to put the country on the path to recovery in cooperation with everyone. What the Deputy Prime Minister said in this regard aimed to encourage everyone to collaborate to overcome the difficult reality we are living and to describe this reality in a scientific manner." He expressed his surprise at "the uproar that accompanied this speech, which was intended to instill fear and despair and further dishearten the Lebanese since the root of the problem began when Lebanon defaulted on paying due bonds, while we are actively working to find ways to meet all internal and external obligations."
Mikati addressed the parliamentary elections file, confirming that "the Ministry of Interior is progressing in the essential steps to hold this electoral event on time, under the best conditions that ensure the integrity of the vote and the complete neutrality of the state and its agencies." He noted that he signed the decrees related to the laws regarding funding the election process "after they were referred to us yesterday by the parliament, and we sent them to the presidency to be implemented to complete this event." He considered that "talk of doubting the elections taking place and discussing administrative and logistical obstacles that could hinder it is mere talk and analysis; this event will occur on time because it is primarily a Lebanese demand and a key step toward the change that the Lebanese seek, as well as an opportunity for Lebanese youth to express their aspirations and ambitions. Additionally, this event is also a demand from all friends of Lebanon, as it represents one of the most significant aspects of democracy and an additional opportunity for fundamental support for Lebanon's recovery after completing this event, regardless of voters' trends and electoral outcomes."
Mikati also addressed recent security incidents in Tripoli, stressing the "necessity of maintaining security," calling on the Minister of Interior and Municipalities to convene a sub-meeting of the security council in Tripoli and "take the necessary security measures." He also urged the relevant ministers "to intensify the work of monitoring agencies to combat price hikes and monopolies."
