Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized during a Cabinet meeting the importance of restoring confidence in Lebanon. He reported on the signing of the 2025 budget and urged strict monitoring of government expenditures. A committee was formed to follow IMF recommendations, addressing necessary reforms and regional security considerations.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun opened by noting the signing of the 2025 state budget in a prior gathering. He urged the Finance Minister to oversee expenditures in accordance with Article 118 of the Public Accounting Law, emphasizing the need for a quarterly spending report.
The President updated the ministers regarding his discussion with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation. He announced the creation of a committee headed by the finance minister, including the Economy Minister, acting Banque du Liban (BDL) governor, and two advisors, tasked with implementing key IMF recommendations.
Aoun also remarked on the urgency expressed by the IMF to finalize a program with them before the onset of summer, citing previous unsuccessful endeavors. He highlighted that achieving restoration of internal and external confidence necessitates economic, financial, and banking reforms.
Furthermore, the IMF delegation underlined the necessity of appointing a new BDL governor, creating a centralized data center for the Finance Ministry, and enacting critical legislation, which includes amendments to the banking secrecy law and the bank restructuring law.
On matters of regional security, President Aoun assured that security agencies and the defense and interior ministries are vigilantly monitoring developments in Syria to ensure preparedness. Additionally, he announced the release of five Lebanese prisoners previously held by Israel, attributing their return to indirect negotiations.
In summary, President Joseph Aoun’s Cabinet meeting underscored the pressing need for reforms in Lebanon to restore both internal and external confidence. The formation of a dedicated committee tasked with overseeing compliance with IMF recommendations reflects a strategic move towards economic recovery. Additionally, Aoun’s attention to security monitoring and the successful release of detainees showcases a comprehensive approach to national stability.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
