Saeed Shami, Deputy Prime Minister of the caretaker government, confirmed in an interview with the "Al-Jumhuriya" newspaper that due to the "sensitivity and importance of the position of the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, it would have been preferable to appoint a new governor after the term of Riad Salameh ends." He indicated that "the selection of a replacement name can be done through consultation and consensus among all major internal forces, including those not represented in the current government, so that the name comes fortified and backed by a broad umbrella, provided that the individual has experience and is beyond reproach."
Regarding the appointment of a caretaker government for the Central Bank and imposing it on the next president, he clarified that regardless of the varying constitutional interpretations regarding the powers of the caretaker government, necessity has its rules, and sometimes necessities allow for prohibitions, asking, "What if the election of the president is delayed for a longer period? Do we remain without a duly appointed governor for the central bank at a time when no vacancy can be tolerated in managing the monetary situation?"
Shami emphasized, "I call for the appointment of a new governor based on the requirements of the supreme interest primarily, and fundamentally, constitutions and laws are meant to serve the people, not the opposite. As for the role of the president in this regard, it is known that the Council of Ministers is the one that officially appoints the governor, and if there is a broad consensus on the name that includes forces outside the government, then the name gains almost national consensus, and I do not think any president could refuse it in such a case."
In light of the difficulties in appointing a new governor for various reasons, Shami asserted that "the first deputy governor, Wassim Mansouri, must assume all of Salameh's responsibilities." He pointed out that this takeover "should be serious and comprehensive because the position cannot tolerate a half-governor or a caretaker governor solely for administrative tasks; Mansouri is required to issue, in cooperation with the Central Council, all necessary decisions and circulars and manage monetary policy because the country cannot be left without such management."
Shami noted, "I know the challenge is great and difficult, and that anyone who takes over the governorship of the Central Bank under these circumstances will feel the weight of the responsibilities upon them. Therefore, they must be of the 'kamikaze' type. I advise them to turn off their phone and listen only to their conscience and to apply the principle of the independence of the governorship away from political influences."
He confirmed that there is no intention to extend Salameh's term in his position, stating, "This matter has never been raised seriously. Thus, it is not considered." Regarding fears from some about the repercussions of Salameh's departure on the dollar's price, Shami expressed surprise at this concern, noting that the dollar has indeed witnessed substantial jumps during Salameh's tenure. "Moreover, stabilizing the price does not depend on one person but rather on the adopted policy."
