Sheikh Abdul Latif Darian, the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, launched an attack on the political authority, accusing it of starving the Lebanese people and "destroying what the Lebanese built over a hundred years in the banking sector, the judiciary, Lebanon's Arab relations, and the principle of separation of powers." He criticized Hezbollah without naming it, stating that there has been a "horrific negation of the military institution and its powers in favor of a militia, or rather, private militias that operate under foreign commands." He urged the public to vote en masse and "to take the initiative to produce alternatives together."
In a message addressed to the Lebanese on the occasion of Ramadan, Darian said that starvation "results from failed policies, corrupt governance, and the neglect of human and citizens' rights," adding that "the deprivation of basic needs is a translation of corruption and is a result of theft and embezzlement." He asserted that "the rights of the people are sacred deposits in the hands of the authority," foremost among them "the right to life and dignity." He told the officials: "You have turned Lebanon, through your corruption, from a state receiving abundance from all places, into a state suffering from hunger, fear, and deprivation. You squandered the people's money and savings, and indulged in corruption and mismanagement until starvation prevailed among the Lebanese, while you indulge in excess and the consumption of ill-gotten gains."
He stated, "It would be wonderful if they could fast for just one day from corruption and falsehood, to give Lebanon a chance to breathe clean air filled with genuine brotherhood. Lebanon either exists among its Arab brethren or it does not exist at all. This is what the National Accord Document stipulated, and this is what the constitution says." He continued, "However, the rulers controlling our fates have left us no way to remain silent or turn a blind eye."
Darian noted, "We are witnessing the collapse or destruction of most of what the Lebanese have built over the past hundred years or more. While they do this with destructive enthusiasm, they stand against any attempt at reform and change." He explained: "There is a documented destruction of the banking sector and the wealth of the Lebanese within it, the national currency, and the judiciary, which has been turned into a tool for selectivity and forgery by well-known hands." He continued: "There is the horrific destruction of Arab and international relations for Lebanon, along with desperate attempts to tamper with Lebanon's identity and belonging," and "the ongoing aggression against the constitution and Lebanon's national, Arab, and international legitimacy," adding: "There is the demolition of the principle of separation of powers, leading to a loss of distinction among the presidency, the executive authority, and the judiciary, all for the sake of personal grievances and miserable political interests."
He also criticized Hezbollah indirectly by saying: "There is a horrific negation of the sanctity of the military institution and its powers in favor of a militia, or rather, private militias, which operate under foreign orders." He pointed out that "there is continuous violation through corruption and monopolization of the state's resources and authorities at the airport, the port, and border crossings. Such practices echo those committed by occupying armies."
Darian summarized his message in three points, the first being "the solidarity among Lebanese at all levels," which "should manifest itself in support around institutions working for good and assistance to the Lebanese people." He remarked: "There is a notable solidarity from the Arabs and the world with the Lebanese, which has continued since before the port explosion crime, despite everyone's frustration and despair over reforms due to strange monopolization and glaring corruption." He said: "No party wants to help without ensuring that no aid reaches the hands of the official authorities, due to a lack of trust and transparency, and the rulers show no shame; their hearts, heads, and consciences have frozen."
The second point he mentioned is "the electoral process," as it is "the remaining or hoped-for peaceful means, which the Lebanese must take without hesitation." He stated: "All Lebanese must go to the ballot boxes," considering that "any alternative, regardless of who it is, resulting from the elections, is better than the oppressive and corrupt authority." He rejected the estimates that most candidates belong to the same mold and are opportunists, stating: "I do not see that; rather, I see that many of the old and new candidates possess the vigor and integrity to effect change. Elections should take precedence, akin to the slogan 'Lebanon First,' which we all once proclaimed, and this remains a priority."
The third point is "the national initiatives that should not stop in order to unite the voices of those afflicted by this authority from among the Lebanese, through an inclusive national dialogue." Darian concluded: "The time for submission and fear has ended. The promise of a revolution against the oppressors, tyrants, and corrupt has begun. We will go to the elections together and take the initiative to produce alternatives together," adding: "Their weapon is discord and intimidation, while our weapon is unity and confidence in the Lebanese people's ability to reform and innovate."
