The President of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Jebran Bassil, announced his willingness to sacrifice in the name of the President of the Republic, but not the presidential position or its powers, in exchange for two benefits for Lebanon: expanded administrative and financial decentralization and a trust fund. He emphasized from the youth camp in Bshtoudar that this is "not a barter nor a concession, but rather a means to secure the rights and funds of the Lebanese people." He stated, "It is an honor for us to engage in a true battle to implement the decentralization that was approved 33 years ago but has yet to be executed. Just as we achieved partnership in the electoral law, governments, and the presidency, we will achieve expanded decentralization for the Lebanese people, regardless of whether some agree or disagree."
Regarding the trust fund, he said, "We take pride that Michel Aoun proposed it in the economic paper after the October 17 revolution. It aims to preserve the state's assets and ownership while allowing private sector management, which will help improve state revenues, bridge part of the financial gap, and return funds to depositors." Bassil mentioned, "The state is bankrupt, and the solution is not to sell its properties but to manage them well. The trust fund has nothing to do with the sovereign fund approved in 2022 as part of the oil and gas extraction law."
Former Lebanese President Michel Aoun addressed the youth of the movement during his participation in the camp, stating: "You have the responsibility to continue the message of elevating the standard of living, ensuring Lebanon's sovereignty, and fighting any oppressive rule. We have exposed them as thieves who protect each other; we will succeed because we have the will. I will continue my work outside the presidency to build Lebanon with the determination of its people and army, who shed their blood."
