A statement was issued by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Saadeh Shami: "The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission warned during its visit to Lebanon that, in the absence of the necessary reforms agreed upon with the fund concerning personnel, Lebanon will enter a deep crisis with no time frame for resolution. We have repeatedly warned from various platforms, including within the Parliament, about the severity of the situation, but our voice has not found ears willing to listen; perhaps the voice of the fund will resonate more strongly.
The government has prepared an economic and financial program that was agreed upon with the fund, along with a detailed and expanded plan inspired by this agreement that was sent to Parliament on September 9. It is surprising that some politicians from various backgrounds still publicly claim that the government has no plan, as this belittles issues of great importance and implications for the reform process and the fate of the country.
Lebanon reached an agreement with the fund a year ago, but only a few of the agreed-upon measures have been implemented. The failure of officials to carry out these reforms undermines Lebanon's credibility and strengthens the fund's rigidity in its positions, leading to a rejection of new ideas, even if they are not fundamentally opposed to the memorandum of understanding. Lebanon needs to regain the trust of the international community to gain some flexibility in dealings with Lebanon. Such flexibility from others requires our own credibility.
In light of the current stagnation, some have concluded that the fund will withdraw from its agreement with Lebanon, but the fund has affirmed its commitment to help us. The real danger is that we may actually withdraw from the agreement due to the existing delays in implementing measures. Some politicians, both old and new, are enthusiastic about endorsing the fund's program, demanding its adoption as the only path to salvation. Ironically, at the same time, they criticize the government’s program, which is the cornerstone of the agreement with the fund. Perhaps some do not want to appear in a position of defending the "system," despite their certainty that there are individuals outside the political class who are working solely to emerge from the crisis and put the country on a path to recovery.
In this regard, I would like to point out that my primary task in the government is to prepare a comprehensive economic reform program and finalize an agreement with the IMF. The task has been accomplished, but the execution lies elsewhere. Solutions are possible if there is political will, especially as people are suffering from pain, hunger, and unprecedented tragedies in our modern history. However, procrastination in implementing reforms may lead us to further tragedy. The light at the end of this long tunnel is dimming more and more and is almost extinguished.
In the presence of a caretaker government, and when hope is lost, officials may be forced to withdraw after having provided everything they have and transition to the shadows so as not to be a false witness to the ongoing collapse."
