Macron calls for change of political elite blocking reforms in Lebanon

ANKARA

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Lebanon on Friday to change political leaders blocking reforms.

"What concerns me are the Lebanese men and women, because the political class that lives at the expense of the country does not have the courage to change," Macron told Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar, Le Monde, and The Wall Street Journal following the Baghdad Conference in Jordan.

He expressed dissatisfaction with "the behavior of this class" and doubts about "the energy of the Lebanese people to push them to change."

"We want to contribute to finding an alternative political solution by establishing tangible projects and at the same time not being lenient with the political class," he said.

He pointed out that Lebanon needs an "honest" president and prime minister, affirming he wanted to help incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

"Lebanon's problem lies in solving people's problems, restructuring the financial system, and then drawing up a plan with two honest presidents of the republic and the government," said Macron, adding that "the Lebanese and Syrian problems can only be resolved within the framework of talks aimed at reducing Iran's regional influence."

Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since May, with Mikati and his Cabinet having limited powers in their current caretaker status.

Former President Michel Aoun left office Oct. 31 after completing a six-year term, without lawmakers agreeing on a successor.

Lebanon has been facing a crippling economic crisis since 2019 that, according to the World Bank, is one of the worst the world has seen in modern times.