Amid the economic and living tragedy that Lebanon is experiencing, compounded by the presence of Palestinian refugees, Syrian displaced persons, and various foreign nationals, Lebanon is burdened by a heavy living burden that has made recovery nearly impossible. This is due to the overcrowding that has reached 600 people per square kilometer, as acknowledged by President Michel Aoun himself, who is reportedly preparing to issue a naturalization decree adding to previous scandals in this regard.
According to information, there are ongoing efforts to compile names to be summoned for interviews, sorting, and filtering, based on which a special official date will be set. It is said that Prime Minister Najib Mikati is not in agreement and is embarrassed as a Sunni, since the number being discussed for this new naturalization deal approaches 4,000 names.
Former Minister Fares Bouez warns of the political implications of such a decree, should it be issued, considering it sends a message to the international community that is pressuring us to naturalize refugees and integrate the displaced, suggesting that we are capable of accommodating more people and that our complaints about population density and financial incapacity are not accurate, if not outright false.
He continues: In the history of nations and their agendas, granting citizenship to distinguished individuals who have made national and international achievements rarely exceeds the count of fingers on one hand. However, for each president to naturalize thousands during their tenure is a crime against Lebanon, which is witnessing a change in its identity and its citizens. The Lebanese families that have made sacrifices and endured hardships to build and preserve Lebanon are lost amid the increasing numbers of settlers, while they have departed the country during long years of turmoil, wars, and suffering.
He concluded: I reiterate the need to recognize the seriousness of this step, as the current time is not in Lebanon's favor, and the crisis is larger than the Lebanese people. The impending settlements and solutions that may become evident could come at our expense unless we set aside narrow interests and calculations and work hand in hand to confront naturalization and integrate the displaced.
