France Says Lebanese Political Forces Must Form Govt. without Delay

Asharq Al-Awsat (France)

France’s foreign ministry said on Monday that all Lebanese political forces need to come good on their promise to quickly put in place a government.

In response to a question on whether Paris would accept a delay in creating a government, spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said Lebanese political parties had been reminded repeatedly of the need to create a government quickly to be able to implement essential reforms.

“All Lebanese political forces have endorsed this goal. It is up to them to translate this commitment into action without delay. It is their responsibility,” she said.

A deadline agreed with France expires on Tuesday.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib said he had met President Michel Aoun for more consultations, raising doubts that he could form his cabinet by France’s deadline.

Some worry that even outside pressure cannot force reform on politicians, for whom reform means an end to power and perhaps eventual accountability.

Lebanon’s ruling class, in power since the end of the civil war in 1990, has run the tiny country and its population into the ground. Heading a sectarian system that encourages corruption over governing, the elite have enriched themselves while investing little on infrastructure, failing to build a productive economy and pushing it to the verge of bankruptcy.

Anger over corruption and mismanagement has come to a peak after the giant Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut’s port, caused by the detonation of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that politicians allowed to sit there for years. Nearly 200 people were killed and tens of thousands of homes were damaged.