Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian accused the "corrupt clique" in power of starving the Lebanese people, blaming them for destroying everything the Lebanese built in 100 years, including the judiciary and the banking sector and Lebanon's relations with Arab and international countries.
In his message on the eve of Ramadan month, the Mufti warned that the military institution and army are being deprived for the sake of militias affiliated with foreign forces, in reference to Hezbollah.
He also urged Lebanese citizens to participate "without hesitation" in the May 15 legislative elections.
"People feel hungry during Ramadan because they choose to fast, but starvation results from failed policies, corrupt rulers, complete disregard for human rights, and stealing people's money."
The Mufti accused the corrupt politicians of turning Lebanon into a country that suffers from starvation, fear, and deprivation while they keep "devouring the money you have unlawfully taken," saying it would be better if they fast from corruption and falsehood and give Lebanon "an opportunity to breathe."
He also condemned the corrupt saying they destroyed Lebanon's relations with Arab and international countries, attempting to undermine the country's identity and affiliation.
Derian criticized the "desperate attempts to ruin Lebanon's identity and constitution, and destroy the principle of separation of powers in favor of personal feuds and miserable political interests."
He summarized his message with central positions: the solidarity among the Lebanese at all levels, and solidarity from Arab countries and the world since the Beirut Port explosion, despite everyone's anger and despair over the lack of reforms.
In his second position, the Mufti addressed the upcoming elections, saying it is a peaceful way to achieve the goals which the Lebanese must follow without hesitation.
He urged all Lebanese voters to participate in the polls, "any alternative produced by the elections is better than the coercive and corrupt authority, and some candidates are motivated and willing to create change."
Derian rejected the estimates that most candidates are of the same kind and are opportunists, saying: "I see that many candidates, whether old or new, are people who want change."
"Any alternative produced by the elections is better than the coercive and corrupt authority, and some candidates are motivated and willing to create change," he said.
Derian concluded his speech by addressing the national initiatives that unite Lebanese who suffered from the authority, such as the national dialogue.
He called for a revolution against the oppressors, the tyrants, and the corrupt, urging all to choose alternatives through the elections.
