Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi welcomed Finance Minister Yassine Jaber at the summer patriarchal residence in Diman. Accompanied by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance George Maarawi, the meeting was also attended by the Patriarchal Vicar General, Bishop Elias Nassar.
The talks covered the general situation in Lebanon, focusing on the economic, financial, and administrative conditions, and the challenges Lebanon faces amidst regional circumstances. The discussion also highlighted government efforts to promote stability, initiate reform paths, and restore confidence in the economy and state institutions.
The talks examined the Ministry of Finance's operations, steps taken to modernize administration, computerize services, and update customs procedures. Discussions also included banking sector reforms, addressing the financial gap, protecting depositors' rights, Lebanon's relationship with the IMF, and the importance of regaining international trust.
Further discussion covered public administration, employee needs, and various administrative files, emphasizing principles of justice, equality, competence, and the effective operation of public utilities.
Minister Jaber emphasized the "importance of ensuring stability as the essential gateway for economic recovery" and stressed the "necessity of protecting Lebanon and leveraging economic and investment opportunities in the region." He highlighted the need for collaborative national and official efforts to rebuild trust in the state and its institutions, and to set Lebanon on the path to recovery and advancement.
Following the meeting, Minister Jaber expressed gratitude to Patriarch al-Rahi for the invitation, noting that he apprised him of the stable financial situation despite Lebanon's challenging conditions. He reiterated "the government's continuous efforts both domestically and internationally," particularly the collaboration with Iraq on the oil file, and engagement with the IMF and World Bank to rehabilitate the banking sector.
In response to a question regarding public sector discontent over the payment mechanism of accrued salary increases, Jaber assured that "the increases will be paid on schedule without delay." He explained that "the challenge lies in the mechanism for disbursing the retroactive effect approved since March 1st."
He further explained that "the injection of $420 million at once could harm the Lebanese pound and monetary stability." He detailed the government's plan to stagger the retroactive payments in installments to protect the national currency, announcing that "the government may expedite payments if financial revenues improve."
Jaber concluded by urging public sector employees to "understand the Ministry of Finance's balanced plan to ensure fairness and protect the purchasing power of all Lebanese."
Earlier, Patriarch al-Rahi met with the new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, Bishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis. The meeting, also attended by Bishops Elias Nassar and Joseph Naffah, discussed Bishop Kassis's new mission starting in mid-September and the role of the Holy See in promoting peace, dialogue, and human dignity in international forums.
Patriarch al-Rahi wished Bishop Kassis success in his new role, emphasizing "the importance of the Holy See's active presence at the UN, working to enhance a culture of peace and coexistence among nations, and promoting Lebanon’s message of dialogue and openness."