Lebanese Central Bank vice-governors urge naming Salameh successor
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Salameh is wanted in France and Germany for alleged financial irregularities, but Lebanon does not extradite its citizens.
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A banner saying "We will not pay the price" on November 27, 2019, hangs in front of the Lebanese Central Bank in Hamra, Beirut (AFP)
The vice-governors of Lebanon's Central Bank called on authorities on Thursday to allocate a successor to the bank chief Riad Salameh, whose term expires at the end of this month and is being accused of collecting a fortune during three decades off of depositors' money.
Salameh is wanted in France and Germany, which issued him a Red Notice for alleged financial irregularities, but Lebanon does not extradite its citizens.
The bank chief, who denies the claims, is the subject of judicial investigations both in Lebanon and abroad into allegations including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, and illicit wealth.
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In a joint statement on Thursday, Salameh's four vice-governors said, "With the end of the central bank governor's term approaching on July 31, 2023, it is our duty to stress the necessity of appointing a governor as soon as possible."
"Otherwise we will be forced to take appropriate action in the public interest," they added.
The Central Bank governor is usually named by cabinet decree to serve a six-year mandate, based on the Finance Minister's recommendation. However, if no name is given, the first vice-governor assumes the position.
The position of Central Bank governor is usually reserved for a Christian Maronite.
"Caretaker rule cannot apply to the highest monetary authority," the vice-governors' statement added.
Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported that the vice-governors may quit at the end of this month to pressure authorities to name a new bank chief and curb any responsibility for the consequences of Salameh's departure from power.
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A Lebanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP last month that Lebanon "was informed by the Swiss authorities that a Swiss judicial delegation will visit Lebanon soon."
The group will meet with a local court and examine individuals about Salameh's and his family's riches, following the footsteps of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, which seized assets totaling $130 million in March 2022 as part of an investigation into Salameh.
