Aoun: The Government Will Be Formed to Carry Out Reforms
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun says that the decision of the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) Governor to end fuel subsidies is worsening the fuel crisis and vows to continue working until "solutions are reached."
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun
Lebanese President Michel Aoun confirmed that the government will be formed through cooperation with PM-designate Najib Mikati to make sure it is a government "capable of actually making reforms and one that receives the confidence of the parliamentary blocs."
بالنسبة الى الحكومة، فستتشكّل بإذن الله، وبالتعاون بيني وبين الرئيس المكلّف. والأساس هو أن تكون حكومة قادرة على القيام أصلاً بالإصلاحات، وحاصلة على ثقة الكتل النيابيّة
— General Michel Aoun (@General_Aoun) August 21, 2021
Regarding Lebanon's worsening fuel crisis, he said that it was decided that the treasury would bear part of the cost of the continuation of subsidies.
He noted that the decision was to keep fuel subsidies until the end of September to make sure that the gradual removal of subsidies would coincide with the issuance of the ration card, however, the decision of CBL's Governor to remove subsidies without consulting the government and before the issuance of the ration card has sabotaged these plans.
He added that Riad Salameh's decision worsened the crisis even further as he insists on his decision and demands legislation that would allow him to spend from the required reserves.
Aoun stressed that he used all his constitutional authorities to resolve the crisis, whereas the cabinet has held no sessions and the Parliament has taken no practical measures, despite the situation being as bad as it is.
The Lebanese President noted that every idea, suggestion, or initiative is met with obstruction as if the citizens can bear more sufferings and remaining in the long gas queues, which he called "queues of disgrace".
He also said that it was decided that public sector employees will be granted an emergency pay increase until their salaries are reviewed based on a recovery plan.
Aoun stressed that he will continue to work until "solutions are reached," declaring that he will not abandon his duties and responsibilities.
The Lebanese President made these declarations today, Saturday, after his evening meeting in the Baabda Palace to tackle the fuel crisis.
Lebanon is witnessing a general shutdown of gas stations, except for a few, in front of which cars are lined up in long queues, whereas most generators have shut down because of the fuel shortage, leading to a severe electricity crisis.
