The announcement yesterday that Prime Minister-designate Hariri is stepping down is yet another setback for the Lebanese people. The Lebanese political leadership must urgently act to resolve the crises their country is facing.
16 July 2021
Following the announcement that Prime Minister-designate of Lebanon Saad Hariri was stepping down, the European Parliament's Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McALLISTER (EPP, DE) and the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT) said:
"Almost one year after the Beirut Blast, the Lebanese people still have no accountability and no working government. The announcement yesterday that Prime Minister-designate Hariri is stepping down is yet another setback. The Lebanese political leadership is failing the Lebanese people and must urgently act to resolve the political deadlock and put in place the urgently needed reforms.
Crucial international support from the International Monetary Fund, and from the European Union and other international donors, is needed to stave off financial collapse, but this remains strictly dependent on the formation of a new government and the implementation of reforms.
We therefore join the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in calling on all Lebanese political forces to support the urgent formation of a government and to start the parliamentary consultations without delay. Lebanon needs a government capable of delivering on key economic and governance reforms and to prepare for the elections in 2022, which need to take place on schedule. This new government must address the demands by the Lebanese people for agency, transparency and important reforms - including a firm commitment against corruption.
We will be calling for the European Parliament to discuss the situation in Lebanon with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy during the next plenary session from 13-16 September 2021."
Background
Prime Minister-designate Hariri resigned on 15 July following a nine-month deadlock over the formation of a new government.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a Statement on the Prime Minister-designate stepping down.
Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP
