On the anniversary of Greater Lebanon's declaration on September 1, 1920, President Michel Aoun emphasized the achievement of solidifying the Lebanese idea through a political entity unifying diverse communities into a constitutional state with a mission. This announcement was complemented by the 1926 Lebanese Constitution and the establishment of the republic, celebrated throughout the year, alongside independence and the formation of institutions.
President Aoun stated that despite difficulties, Lebanon continues to play its role among nations. The key is to end conflicts, uphold sovereignty, and focus on building the state, revitalizing institutions, and boosting the economy. This is only achievable by rallying around the state as the single uniting reference for all Lebanese who are bound by the national charter within unity.
In a meeting with Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Aoun acknowledged the Armenian community's positive role in nation-building. "Our decisions favor the weary Lebanese people; their hope rests in a strong state." He encouraged positive party contributions, emphasizing, "This state protects all, as Lebanese are tired of substitute governments."
Patriarch Minassian expressed gratitude to President Aoun, encouraging continued institutional efforts for peace.
Addressing the new board of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), headed by Bashar Al-Asmar, Aoun stressed that the NSSF should benefit all Lebanese, not be sectarian or politically driven, with services delivered transparently and efficiently. Aoun prioritized ensuring social security, protecting public funds, end-of-service benefits, and providing dignified healthcare post-retirement.
Al-Asmar outlined the council’s goals, seeking support to enhance services like healthcare and shift from end-of-service compensation to pensions, aiming to restore benefits for retirees between 2019 and 2024. The board plans to expand coverage to new groups including municipal workers, farmers, and others.
Al-Asmar presented a detailed action plan and requested a presidential committee to monitor progress. President Aoun underlined the board’s significant responsibilities, pledging full support for initiatives restoring public confidence and modernizing operations.
After the meeting, Al-Asmar commented on the NSSF's sound financial status but called for efforts to retrieve substantial sums from the government, intended for enhancing services and expanding coverage efficiently.
On implementing end-of-service benefits, Al-Asmar noted plans for the swift adoption of investment regulations to mobilize resources for pensions, underscoring the transition from lump-sum payments to a sustainable pension model.
Aoun reassured commitment to tackling corruption through a robust judiciary and digital transformation, highlighting its necessity for NSSF improvement.