Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai criticized the government formation process in Lebanon, saying: “It is absolutely unacceptable for a team to control the government, decide on its lineup and choose its portfolios… while the others are marginalized as though they were surplus.”
Speaking during Sunday mass, Rai underlined the need for a government of experts, who would be tasked with finding a solution to the current economic and financial crises.
“We were waiting, with the hungry, afflicted and wounded people for a government of competence to address fateful challenges. But we hear about quota sharing, instead of a government that adopts comprehensive rotation of ministerial portfolios without exceptions, on the basis of competence,” he stated.
The patriarch also touched on the Beirut Port explosion, criticizing the delay in the investigations.
“We are awaiting a forensic investigation that includes the successive concerned ministers, in addition to administrative officials and employees,” he remarked.
Rai continued: “We and the people want justice that exposes corruption and the corrupt. But we want comprehensive, not selective justice… Therefore, we demand that the investigation include all relevant institutions… from Banque du Liban to the ministries of finance, energy, public works, interior, communications, environment and others; and from the Council for Development and Reconstruction to the regional councils and boards, up to various entities that received and squandered money.”
