​Statement:

Information Minister, George Kordahi, read the following statement:

“The Cabinet convened today in its first session after formation. The session was headed by President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, and attended by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the ministers.

At the beginning, the President of the Republic spoke welcoming the Prime Minister and the ministers, considering that what brought the ministers together in this session was confidence and the ability to work, which necessitates that they always expedite the sessions to accomplish what is required in the next stage.

“This is the fourth government in my presidential term, which was formed after 13 months of the caretaker government. During this period, the situation worsened: economically, financially, monetary and socially...and the living conditions of citizens declined to unprecedented levels. Prices - the devaluation of the national currency - fuel - hospitalization – medicine” President Aoun added.

The President of the Republic said “We are facing major national and historical responsibilities to activate the role of the state and its institutions and restore confidence in them. We must not waste time as we no longer have the luxury of slowness and procrastination. Urgent solutions are required to address the living conditions of citizens, and launch a quick workshop to put Lebanon on the path to rescue, recovery  and advancement”.

The President also indicated that “The government must work as one homogeneous and cooperative team to implement a rescue program and focus efforts to achieve the supreme national interest and the interests of the citizens. We face great challenges, so I recommend you to talk less and work more. We will face great difficulties and we will work to overcome them and devise possible solutions. The outside and inside depend on our success in dealing with the accumulated and overlapping crises, and the more we show seriousness, commitment and determination, the more brotherly and friendly countries will stand by us”.

“The Lebanese hope that the government will address their daily life problems and respond to their legitimate aspirations and expectations for a better future that will remove their anxiety and provide them with stability and a decent life. The priority is to alleviate their suffering and provide their urgent needs. The international community is counting on the government to revive Lebanon and bring it out of its depression” President Aoun said.

“We are in need of assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, international and regional funds, and donors. The initiation of reforms is a prerequisite for the international community to proceed with the mechanisms of support and provision of aid. Reforms are the basic building block for rebuilding the state, and without them it is impossible to save. Urgent and decisive executive steps are required to start reforms” the President continued.

“You are specialized ministers. You have scientific and practical experiences and future visions. Our responsibility is to save Lebanon, so let us be up to the responsibility” President Aoun said.

The President hoped that the ministerial committee would include in the ministerial statement, in addition to the national constants, the following basic ideas and topics:

-The recovery plan approved by the previous government.

-The reforms contained in the French initiative.

-Holding the parliamentary elections on their dates, which were set on May 8, 2022.

-Completing the ongoing investigations into the Beirut port explosion.

-Continuing with the anti-corruption plan, especially the initiation of forensic audit.

-Securing basic necessities for citizens.

-Starting the school year as soon as possible.

-Updating and implementing a recovery plan to save the country from the financial crisis.

-Completing of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

-Following-up on the implementation of the financing card plan and seek to secure the necessary funds to ensure its continuity.

-Approving and implementation of the economic plan prepared by the global consulting office McKinsey (to stimulate the productive sectors).

-Working on the return of displaced Syrians.

-Developing a plan to restructure the banking sector.

-Implementing the decisions of the CEDRE conference, including the projects mentioned in the investment program.

-Completing and implement the plan for solid waste treatment.

-Completing and implementing an electricity plan.

Then, the President of the Republic called on the ministers to carry out the handover operations and to expedite as much as possible to carry out their new tasks.

Then, the Prime Minister said: “The eyes of the Lebanese, all the Lebanese, are fixed on you. You are the hope at this point. You come to positions of responsibility from the ranks of this tormented people. You lived the pain, and you still are. You know all too well the people’s need for bread, medicine, gasoline and diesel. These things are not luxuries, but are necessary for the continuity of life in its natural form. Much work awaits us”.

 

“We are very tired. We all have to sacrifice. The country requires exceptional measures. It is true that we do not have a magic stick. The situation is very difficult, but with firm will, determination, and planning, we can all, as one working team, achieve for our patient and suffering people some of what they hope and desire. It is true that the situation is difficult, but nothing is impossible when intentions are clear. One hand cannot clap. What is required is the concerted efforts of all Lebanese. Do not disappoint the Lebanese. Let your words be accompanied by deeds. Time is precious and there is no way to waste it” the Prime Minister added.

 

“Your success in your ministries means the success of all Lebanese in achieving what secures for them a dignified life without humiliation or wishful thinking. When you agreed to engage in this rescue work, you knew that you were coming to serve. Assuming a ministry these days is not a luxury. So be up to this responsibility, publicly all of us, and with sure cooperation with His Excellency the President of the Republic and with the honorable Parliament, we can reach safety. I ask you to reduce media appearances because people look forward to actions and are no longer interested in words and promises. And things for people are evaluated according to results. I invite you to expedite the process of handing over your ministries, because we are facing great challenges and we must face them firmly and seriously. That is why I call on the Minister of Works to give immediate directions to clean the lanes of highways and roads before the rain overtakes us and the scenes of mischief are repeated on the roads” Premier Mikati indicated.

“We will deal with the issue of fuel and medicine in a way that stops the humiliation of people. I ask the Minister of Education to hold emergency meetings to complete the plan to start the school year, and this file is more than urgent. It is not permissible for our children to stay out of school for the third year. I also call for coordination between the Ministries of Health and Education, in order to study the possibility of vaccination against corona for students over the age of twelve” PM Mikati continued.

 

“For my part, I will intensify cabinet sessions and include important topics which have a direct impact on daily citizen-lives. We affirm permanent coordination between ministers on issues of common interest between more than one ministry, and coordination between ministries when necessary. In this regard, I stress the need for cooperation by all, which is essential for the success of any government” PM Mikati added.

“Our government will work for the sake of all of Lebanon and the Lebanese. It will not distinguish between those who are pro-regime or in the opposition, those who announce their support for us and those who do not, those who will grant parliamentary confidence and those who will withhold. We shall exercise our roles under the roof of law. A servant has nothing to do but strive, and God is the guardian of success” the Prime Minister concluded.

Afterwards, the cabinet decided to form a committee to draft the policy statement, headed by the Prime Minister and with the membership of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of: Justice, Energy, Finance, Culture, Labor and Agriculture. The ministerial committee will hold its first session shortly, i.e. at 1:00pm at the Grand Serail.​