Hala el-Housseini, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency

Ministerial Statement Nearing Completion as Lebanese Government Seeks Confidence Vote

The government's mandate is limited in duration, preventing it from fulfilling all its responsibilities

Prominent parliamentary sources told “Akhbar Al-Yawm” agency that the ministerial committee tasked with drafting the ministerial statement will complete its work soon in order to approve it and subsequently present it to Parliament for the government to obtain confidence based on it. 

The sources indicated that the statement will be derived from the inaugural speech of President General Joseph Aoun and that there is no issue regarding its main themes. Therefore, some have suggested or advised including a clause affirming the Lebanese people's right to defend themselves against attacks and their right to liberate their land, which is a legitimate right. According to the sources, this clause will be included in the ministerial statement. The statement will not be overly broad, as the government’s term is short and it cannot fulfill all its obligations within this period. 

The sources expect the statement to mention the enactment of a new electoral law, discussions on economic and social reforms, plans to restore financial balance, and banking sector restructuring. Additionally, the issue of deposits requires a thorough and comprehensive study, as their recovery will take time, even if a plan is devised during Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government. 

Thus, the ministerial statement is likely to be finalized within a short period, followed by an immediate parliamentary session to grant the government confidence and proceed with governmental and legislative work.