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Since the Lebanese government announced its economic plan a few days ago, it has caught the attention of the street in a big way and has almost competed with the Corona virus on the priority list, in light of the positive atmosphere nominated by the International Monetary Fund to this respect.
A state of anticipation prevails before Wednesday, in which the President of the Republic called a meeting of the parliamentary blocs in Baabda to determine the opinions of the people’s representatives on this plan, but the “Future” bloc announced its boycott of President Michel Aoun’s invitation, and between the two parties they received declarations and corresponding responses.
Anticipation is also the master of the situation, with the start of the second phase of facilitating public mobilization procedures to confront the Corona virus, which will begin today, amid fears of illegality that could topple all efforts made by the authorities. competent and return the infection counter to escalation.
Meanwhile, the street is awaiting today the speech of the Secretary General of Hezbollah, His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, at five in the afternoon, during which he is expected to launch a series of political positions on the current situation.
Al Akhbar: The government’s plan “did its job”: it diagnosed us and the IMF decision
The “Al-Akhbar” newspaper said that after tomorrow, a meeting will be held in Baabda with attendees. Despite the tension that prevailed in the presidency, the future bloc will have no impact on the course of the meeting. Basically, there is no technical function for this meeting nor any impact on the course of the government’s plan. The government paid the premium and the decision is in the hands of the IMF!
According to the newspaper, the consultative meeting called by the President of the Republic on Wednesday became a material for political fun. The government-approved economic plan is no longer the event. The “opposition” took the discussion elsewhere. Each of its pillars was pampered, seeking to empty the meeting of its content. The basic principle is that if the President of the Republic wants to give political coverage to the government’s project, in return, he decides to order him to confront the government and the Pact together. Under this headline, an opportunity will not be left for the kind of consultative meeting without being exploited in the political struggle, which breaks out day after day. However, the problem is that the shallow depth of the policy allowed a formal meeting to become a first event in countries mired in its tragedies.
Once the plan is approved, the initiative of the President of the Republic will be interpreted as unnecessary. It could have been more useful before it was approved. This is the opinion of the Future Block, or its argument for not attending. At least the President of the Republic, as well as the Prime Minister, had reduced the weight of the mortgage decision of the International Monetary Fund, arguing that the majority wanted this step. This would have reduced the turnover that eventually came to the signature of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance requesting a fund rescue program.
The non-participation of the future in the meeting is not surprising. The surprise will be in your participation. Al-Hariri, or his representative, would be a false witness to a plan that was approved, and the withdrawal was completed. But the problem is in criticizing the idea of finding yourself. The meeting of the heads of the parliamentary blocs was repeated repeatedly during the days when Hariri was the head of the government, and no objections or riots were heard from him. Conditions have changed. Today, Al-Hariri is out of power, and that meeting has been seen under the heading of attacking the powers of the prime minister and the entire parliamentary system. That same idea that the future revolves at this stage. It was the clearest start in the statement by former prime ministers. And here is the future bloc “draws attention to political and legal practices and fatwas that go beyond the limits of the constitution, to perpetuate the concept of the presidential system at the expense of the parliamentary democratic system.”
This required a response from the presidency and then a response from the future. The first reconfirmed that the purpose of the invitation is to be informed and consulted on an issue that concerns all Lebanese, far from “misleading the future” and “its twisted logic,” as the presidency described the future statement. The bloc saw that the Presidency’s response provides additional material to the uncertainties surrounding the meeting invitation.
That party of responses did not eliminate the fact that the government’s plan had gone its way without any serious opposition from the various blocs, whether they were in power or in opposition. Even Hariri’s objection is limited, and falls within the banking system’s rejection of the decision to restructure it. She understands that the losses made in the sector impose restructuring, so bankruptcy is not an inevitable fate, but it seeks to be the burden on others.
The box does not matter who bears the cost. Whoever works with the fund realizes that their priority is not suggestions to get out of the crisis, but to diagnose and diagnose its causes, in their opinion, not in the interest of Lebanon. This implementation phase can be modified internally and externally, but the diagnosis is the focus of attention. According to informed sources, international reactions to the plan were positive. Monetary Fund officials welcomed his bravery, and the welcome also included the World Bank and US banks. The talk here extends to determining Bank of Lebanon losses and bank losses, deficiencies in public finances, losses in exchange rate determination and financial engineering …
From this point of view, it is not important that the Association of Banks oppose it, and it is not important for the future objection to the restructuring of the Bank of Lebanon and the banking sector. IMF workers consider the priority for the diagnosis, which the government appears to have “managed to determine.”
But then what? It is too early to get a background opinion on the proposed procedures, even if the plan includes many of your demands. Until then, however, the Fund requires political consensus to ensure Lebanon’s commitment, regardless of who governs today or tomorrow, to its dictates.
In this sense, regardless of the Baabda meeting or the opinion of the political parties of the plan, its purpose has led, and the authority has come to diagnose reality, on the basis of which implementation will begin. Here, the proposals contained in the plan are not necessary. The box will take from it what suits it and then impose whatever it wants on top of it. That was the reason why, for example, the liberalization of the exchange rate was not approved. Why was consensus on the plan lost, if the release would be inevitable, either by a government decision or an international decision?
On the other hand, the possibility of appointing a mayor for the municipality of Beirut is being investigated, succeeding Ziad Shabib, whose mandate expired from the administrative judiciary, in addition to appointing the head of the Civil Service Council. And the appointment of cook is prepared according to the usual: political-sectarian quotas. The President of the Republic wants to renew Shabib, on the basis of transferring it from the judicial owners to the administrative staff. This approach is opposed to Prime Minister Hassan Diab and Interior Minister Mohamed Fahmy. Diab proposes to appoint his adviser, Petra Khoury, to succeed Shabib. In the Presidency of the Civil Service Council, Aoun wants to appoint Ahmed Aouidat. According to Al-Akhbar’s information, Diab will not accept Aouidat’s appointment if Khoury is not appointed to Beirut.
The metropolitan of Beirut and its dependencies of Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Auda was included, as usual, in the line of appointment in the governorate. Today, he will sponsor a meeting that includes Orthodox deputies and some political figures to discuss the appointments. According to informed sources, the main objective of the meeting revolves around making a decisive decision regarding the extension or absence of Shabib, especially because the bishop “rejects the campaign directed at Shabib, which is being carried out by some members of the Municipality of Beirut for personal reasons, including dispute between him and Mayor Jamal Itani over Powers. At the last meeting between Odeh and my understanding, the latter expressed the government’s refusal to extend any employee. The bishop did not express any objection, rejecting the same time what his relatives describe “a violation of the powers of the sect members and the imposition of candidates on them.” Odeh asked the Minister of the Interior if he had any file of corruption that condemned Shabib, for which he denied my Odeh said, according to sources: “If the governor is an offender, he should be prosecuted and held accountable until he is imprisoned. or instead of just changing it or naming it somewhere else. “
On the other hand, the protesters held a sit-in in front of the Interior Ministry two days ago, to demand the change of Shabib and refused to “extend” him, accusing him of being involved in corruption files, especially “granting the owner of Al- Aydin Resort any building permit that does not meet the conditions. “
“Al-Banaa”: meeting on Wednesday in Baabda with the presence of Berri and the absence of the future
According to “Al-Benaa”, the invitation of the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, to meet with the Baabda consultant for the heads of the parliamentary blocks, was the focus of local positions, in light of confirming the president’s participation of Parliament Nabih Berri and announce the absence of the future bloc in its president or its representative, and participation in the proportional meeting of Leba’s democratic groups. Representation of the leadership is similar to theirs also without the head of the bloc, while the other blocs are expected to be represented by their leaders, while the appearance of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is expected to attract the the party’s position on the government’s plan and many local and regional developments, including an Israeli operations and the German decision to ban Hezbollah.
And the political community awaits the meeting that will take place tomorrow Wednesday at the Baabda Palace, at the invitation of President Michel Aoun, who is dedicated to presenting the government’s economic program.
And although the Future Bloc was the first to launch a position by refusing to participate in the Baabda meeting, the other blocs did not announce their positions among the “construction” information on the confirmation of the participation of the President of the Development and Liberation Bloc , the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, the head of the powerful Bloc of Lebanon, Deputy Gibran Bassil and the leader of the Representative of Wafa Muhammad Rac, the Representative of Wafa Muhammad Rac On the head of the Marada Movement and a representative of the Socialist Party, and the suggestion of the participation of the Lebanese forces, although the sources of the forces confirmed to Al-Benaa that the matter is under discussion and there is no final decision so far.
Sources in the Chamber of the Center indicated to Al-Benaa that “the decision of President Saad Hariri and the Future Block not to participate in a meeting with Baabda is not an evasion of national responsibility for the rescue of the country or in the discussion of the plan of government reform, but for reasons related to the lack of respect for those who invoke constitutional principles and the transformation of the Lebanese system From a Democrat to a presidential system. “The sources noted that” we have a basket of observations and questions about the government plan, especially regarding depositors’ rights and technical questions about requesting assistance to the Fund and the dollar exchange rate “, adding that” our final position on the plan and our corresponding proposals belong to the Prime Minister Hariri will be announced when we finish reading the plan. ”Al-Banaa learned that the” Future Movement “had hoped p To announce a position on the issue of participation in the Baabda meeting, it had internal consultations with each of the leaders of the Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt and the head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, in an attempt to unify the situation. of the meeting, but did not get clear and clear answers. From both groups, due to the difference in attitudes between the three parties in the approach of the current stage.
The Future Parliamentary Bloc announced its apology for not participating in the Baabda meeting, considering that “the natural place for parliamentary blocs to be informed about the program is parliament”, and drew attention to the political and legal practices and fatwas that they go beyond the limits of the constitution to enshrine the concept of the presidential system at the expense of the parliamentary democratic system.
She emphasized “that it is in the process of preparing its political, technical and economic observations on the program to present it immediately to the Lebanese, within the frameworks that contribute to face the burdens of life and the harsh social and monetary conditions and stop the descending path of the state.
The Office of Information of the Presidency of the Republic responded to the declaration of the future, saying that the future has no right to claim the existence of “political practices and fatwas that exceed the limits of the constitution”, due to various considerations, and the statement clarified that “the objectives of the meeting are clear and specific in the invitation addressed to the heads of the parliamentary blocks, which informs them of details of the reform plan and hear their comments thereon, and the purpose of the meeting is not to vote about the plan or confiscate the role of the House of Representatives. “
The Future Block responded to the statement from the Presidential Office, noting that the response “provides additional material to the doubts surrounding the call to the meeting on Wednesday,” noting that “the responsibility for this plan and its implementation rests entirely with the Pact. and his government. “
It was reported that Jumblatt would not personally participate in the Baabda meeting and would send his representative with some observations on the economic plan, well-informed sources in the Socialist Party told Al-Bana that “the party will balance its decision between exceeding some of the powers of the legislative authority and the sect and creating new rules and the need to participate to save “The economic situation that threatens to collapse completely.” The member of the Democratic bloc Bilal Abdullah told Al-Benaa that “we are in the process to read the government plan and when we finish we will announce our position on it from the responsible and constructive opposition site. “He pointed out that any economic plan needs external financial support but we are not very fond of the IMF, but by virtue of the fait accompli it needs to save the country pumping billions of dollars in exchange for adopting serious reforms that we are not yet qualified two to drink ”.
He noted that “we saw in the plan that we announced it in parliament, the correct constitutional place to discuss the government’s plans, especially since it is the council that will approve the bills in the plan.” Abdullah denied having a unified political front between the socialist and the future and the forces, noting that “the scenario cannot tolerate fronts and registrations, but the objective of cooperation to save the country from financial, economic, social and health crises and environmental. ” He noted that “we are against the overthrow of the government because there is no possibility of forming a new government, as well as People are satiated with emptiness and political differences, and what is required is to focus on living concerns.”
Al-Gomhoria: Baabda met on Wednesday with the heads of the blocs that attended
Baabda Palace circles told Al-Gomhoria that the meeting will be held with attendees, considering that “whoever boycotts him will withdraw from the rescue workshop at a critical time, and will suggest that the reform affects him, and therefore both the boycott in such circumstances is ridiculous and dangerous at the same time. “
These circles considered that “the boycott announced by some reflects a fabricated position, which is not a national or constitutional justification for it, but falls within the context of political conflict and narrow calculations.”
In the information, Aoun refuses to assist representatives of the bloc leaders, that is, whoever acts on his behalf, and set a standard for a meeting of his force, either for the bloc leader to participate in person. , or do not participate at all, even if it is your representative, if there is a legal excuse or an urgent reason that justifies your absence, Your absence is recorded on this basis.
Berry goes
Meanwhile, Ain Al-Tineh’s circles assured Al-Gomhoria that Berri will personally participate in the meeting called by General Michel Aoun in Baabda next Wednesday. These circles denounced rumors that Berri resented the method of convening the meeting. Noting that nothing of this nature has not come from him, in addition to the fact that the President of the Council is in every dialogue meeting that would debate solutions and solutions to the current crisis.
The circles pointed out that Berri’s priority is to strengthen the Lebanese position, succeed in negotiations with the creditors of the “Eurobono” and the “International Monetary Fund” and save the country’s financial, economic and social situation.
Who will attend and interrupt the meeting?
Hours before the “Future” apology was issued, political references to the “Republic” revealed intense contacts between Berri and President Saad Hariri and the president of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, to coordinate positions and steps. to accompany the call of the President of the Republic.
The Republic learned that the parties of the Kataeb and Lebanese Forces will inform the Republican Palace today if they will participate in the meeting or not, knowing that several heads of parliamentary blocks confirmed their attendance.
While informed sources informed Al-Gomhoria about the possibility that former Lebanese Forces chief Ghassan Hasbani, head of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, is represented, it is known that the “Marada” bloc headed by former Minister Suleiman Franjieh appointed MP Farid Al-Khazen to represent him at the meeting.
While awaiting the decision of the Falangist Political Bureau, which holds its weekly periodic meeting this afternoon, to decide on its final decision to participate in the meeting or boycott, the leader of the Phalanx Party, the deputy Sami Gemayel, will participate personally or someone will. will represent. The “Democratic Meeting” bloc will also meet this afternoon to decide with Jumblatt’s participation in person at the meeting or to delegate to his representative, which is the most likely option, for his representative to comment on the reform document.
Copper for the “Republic”
For that, the member of the “Al-Wasat” bloc, the parliamentarian Nicolas Nahhas, confirmed to “Al-Gomhoria” that he will represent the bloc in the meeting “due to its president, Naguib Mikati, who was busy with deadlines that he did not could break. ” He stated: “The circles of the presidential palace concerned about the arrangements were informed of this decision.”
Nahhas noted that the mass will be issued in the next few hours separating the date of the meeting, a detailed statement in which his observations on the plan will be specified and will be added to the file that is uploaded to the meeting.
Major General: Who established the plan caught up in political and financial compromise?
The newspaper “Al-Liwaa” considered that the legitimate and urgent question, which was vigorously imposed: how can the bailout occur, and the financial plan can see the light, amid the escalation of related or branching crises, in the on the eve of the meeting convened by President Michel Aoun, heads of the parliamentary blocs in Baabda, the situation exploded. The situation is on the road of no return between the team of President Aoun, President Saad Hariri and the “Future” bloc, after the bloc announced an apology for participating in the Baabda meeting, and the debate that erupted the day after this position, as the media office in Baabda was quick to criticize the situation, and considered abstaining from it as a result A national responsibility ” carried away by goodbye The decision reached the Lebanese and international community “, to which the bloc was quick to respond again, saying that” the responsibility for this plan and its imp Lementation lies entirely with the Pact and its government, “refusing to speak of a national association, describing it as” talk out of place, and many are pondering. ” Of the questions, about the destiny of the association and its result as a result of the policies adopted by the strong era, and who supports and supports it.
2 – This new and old explosion between the first and the third presidency preceded a qualitative, but extremely dangerous position, represented by the rejection of the Banking Association of what was officially called in its description of the government’s financial recovery plan , which revealed that he was not consulted, while claiming that he was part of the solution, describing a process Local restructuring, as mentioned in the plan, would further undermine confidence in Lebanon, both domestically and internationally. At the same time The plan mentions the basic ingredients to restore and improve investor confidence, such as preparing an effective anti-corruption strategy.
He noted that “the plan is not responsible: it is international financial support, especially from the International Monetary Fund and / or the Cedar Conference.” As far as we know, official discussions with the Fund on this issue are about to start while Cedar payments are pending the implementation of the necessary reforms.
The procedures related to the income and expenses necessary to obtain the support of the International Monetary Fund remain vague and are not supported by a precise timetable for their implementation.
A leading economic expert felt that the financial and economic bailout plan approved by the government last week requires a little time to read and audit, even before making a final assessment against it, but in general some of the the main headings that do not suggest that it is a plan that accurately reflects the existing reality and lacks it. The elements and components necessary to stimulate the economic situation and emerge from the crisis in stages, noting that it was necessary to defend the opinions of stakeholders, especially the economic and banking sectors and experienced experts, and take their comments before approving the plan because they are concerned about him and successful. Howe with his results.
Noting the trends and procedures included in the plan that are marked by the direction of the economic systems directed at the countries, which are not totally contradictory to the free economic system adopted by Lebanon and contradict the wishes of the majority of Lebanese, especially those related to the state’s tendency to recover bank interests or part of them from previous years, or regarding the ambiguous voluntary deduction of financial deposits for citizens in banks. There are bank secrecy and other issues and issues that would hinder the relaunch of the business cycle and negatively affect the motivation of foreign and Arab investors in Lebanon in the future, and they need to be reconsidered to rectify their repercussions in the future.
Pending the meeting to be held at the Bank of Lebanon between Governor Riyad Salama and the delegation of the Association of Banks in the bank’s circulars and the need to comply with them, the Money Exchange Association announced that it will continue with the strike, until some money changers who violated the maximum exchange rate established by them for the Bank of Lebanon 3,200 Lebanese pounds per dollar.
The economyMichel AounFuture streamBaabdaLebanese governmentMr. Hassan NasrallahCorona virusThe Hassan Diab government’s economic plan
