Only three weeks are left until the term of Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh ends. The caretaker government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati has no choice but to implement the law that allows his first deputy, Wassim Mansouri, to succeed him.
As per Lebanon’s Code of Money and Credit, the first deputy governor undertakes the post until the appointment of a new governor.
In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mikati said he would neither ask for another extension of Salameh’s term, nor appoint a new successor.
The solution to filling the vacuum after the end of Salameh’s term lies in applying the law that allows his deputy, Mansouri, to carry out the tasks assigned to him, the premier stressed.
Mikati explained his decision, saying that he did not want to deepen the rift between the Lebanese, or widen the existing divisions over the election of a president of the republic.
He expressed his surprise at political and media campaigns that blame the government for the presidential vacuum, pointing to internal divisions among the parliamentary blocs over a candidate.
“There is no solution to the crises that are worsening day after day and burdening the Lebanese, except with the immediate election of a president,” Mikati told Asharq Al-Awsat.
He also ruled out holding a round of consultations over the appointment of a new governor with Salameh’s term due to end on July 31.
Moreover, he added that he has maintained talks with parliament Speaker Nabih Berri within the framework of coordination between the legislative and executive authorities.
In this context, a senior political source said Mikati did not want to become embroiled in political disputes with any side, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that the PM wanted to give priority to addressing challenges that would save the country from its economic crisis.
