Call for Presidential Elections: Reform and Accountability Begin at the Top

Metropolitan of Beirut and its suburbs for the Greek Orthodox, Bishop Elias Aoude, presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. George’s Cathedral, attended by a large crowd of believers. After the Gospel, he delivered a sermon in which he stated: "The leaders of this country and its rulers neglect their citizens, while their representatives abstain from fulfilling their duties, ignoring the will of their electorate. Do they all realize that they are contributing to the destruction of a state that cannot grow and advance without a head, and without a ruling group whose primary task is to cleanse the administration of all impurities, manage its work, and devise a rescue plan based on a clear vision for building a modern, democratic, and just state where no group is privileged over another, but the law prevails above all? The vacuum has led the country to disintegration and decay, resulting in stagnation which is akin to death. Therefore, it is essential to restore the constitution, advocate for sound democratic practice, and raise the banner of reform—reforming the mentality that has governed this country for decades, revising the vision that has led to this regression, and cleansing souls from the stains of this era, foremost among them individualism, materialism, selfishness, and the inclination toward violence. What we witness in our time, and in our region, of individual and collective violence is unprecedented in history and a cause for deep concern." He added: "Cities are destroyed, children are killed, and people are tortured, while humanity is lost or deliberately buried to prevent it from rising. What is the fault of children that they must die as victims of the whims of adults? What is the fault of innocent bystanders? What does a person gain from this madness? What do they reap other than destruction, death, and ruin? If the money spent on the raging wars around the world were used to feed the hungry, develop communities, and eradicate illiteracy and ignorance, wouldn’t we be in a better world? Is this how people of this era wish to live? Do the people of my country accept this meager and deteriorating situation, or do they aspire to a dignified and free life under a modern and just state, in an age of scientific advancement and broad horizons? We need to change the dismal reality and replace politicians who resist reform and obstruct the state's progress. More importantly, we need to stop compromising with the corrupt and those who have manipulated people's destinies, wreaking havoc, and weakening the country to satisfy their greed for power and wealth." He concluded: "Reform and accountability must start from the top, from the head of the pyramid. Thus, the necessity arises to elect a president whose only interest is the salvation of the country, who, along with his government, will do what is necessary to implement laws, hold accountable those who must be held accountable, and establish the concept of a strong and just state."