Latest news with #BeirutMunicipalCouncil
MTV Lebanon
01-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
01 Jul 2025 18:56 PM PM Salam leads a series of ministerial meetings
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received at the Grand Serail, a delegation from the Beirut Municipal Council, headed by its Chairman Ibrahim Zeidan. The meeting addressed the most prominent challenges facing the city of Beirut in terms of development and services, in light of the current economic and social circumstances. A number of proposals and demands related to improving the performance of public facilities, in general, and strengthening municipal work were also presented. During the meeting, Premier Salam emphasized the "need to support local authorities to enable them to perform their duties as required." After the meeting, Zeidan said the municipal council delegation discussed with Premier Salam the topics and services related to the city of Beirut, and briefed him on their work program in terms of urgent and long term projects. Premier Salam later received a delegation from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), headed by Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara. During the meeting, the discussion touched on the situation on the ground in south Lebanon, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the ongoing cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), particularly with regard to intensifying coordination and joint operations. The emerging challenges facing the international forces' mission were also addressed. Premier Salam affirmed "the Lebanese government's full commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and its keenness to ensuring the appropriate environment that enables UNIFIL to fully implement its mandate," emphasizing "the importance of preserving the safety of its personnel." In this context, President Salam noted that "Lebanon had officially sent a letter to the United Nations requesting an extension of UNIFIL's mandate for an additional year, ending on August 31, 2026, in accordance with the Lebanese government's decision issued on May 14, 2025." On the other hand, Salam met with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon, Mohammed Reda Al-Husseini, with whom he discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation in areas of common interest. Salam also received the Bangladeshi Ambassador to Lebanon, Major General Muhammad Jubayer Salehin, with whom he discussed te bilateral relations between the two countries.
LBCI
03-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Will Beirut's municipal elections break tradition? Here's what we know
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian After three delays, each for a different reason, Lebanon is expected to hold municipal elections starting May 4, divided into four phases. As with previous elections, concerns have resurfaced regarding the preservation of sectarian balance within the Beirut Municipal Council. The council, made up of 24 members, traditionally consists of Muslims and Christians, despite Muslims making up roughly 70% of Beirut's electorate, making them the largest voting bloc. This imbalance has never affected the sectarian balance in the council. Historically, elections have been held through strong lists that include all political forces, ensuring no one could bypass the system under the majority system. However, today, the fear is growing. The Future Movement has yet to clarify its electoral stance despite its leader's announcement of his return to politics. The Christian presence in the capital has also dwindled, further exacerbating fears that Muslims could dominate the entire municipal council, especially if multiple lists are formed, with winners primarily from one sect. With one month left until the municipal elections, discussions are intensifying, and several proposals have emerged. One proposal is to hold elections based on a closed, complete list system, ensuring sectarian balance, as suggested by MPs Waddah Sadek and Mark Daou. Another idea is to divide Beirut into two municipalities under what is called the Beirut Municipality, or adopting the first and second parliamentary districts, as they were before 1997. These proposals were put forward by the Strong Lebanon bloc. A proposal put forward by MP Hagop Terzian suggested that each district select its own candidates. Another suggestion is to create a single list that includes all political forces, with Sunni groups, holding the "electoral key," leading the effort. As weeks pass and the municipal elections approach, the question remains: Will the principle of sectarian balance hold, or will Beirut surprise everyone?
MTV Lebanon
03-03-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Salam receives UAE invitation for Arab Media Summit, meets several visitors
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received an invitation from UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to participate in the Arab Media Summit, which will be held next May in Dubai. The invitation was delivered to Premier Salam by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Lebanon, Fahed Al Kaabi. Earlier, Premier Salam received a delegation from the Beirut Municipal Council, headed by Mayor Abdullah Darwish, who said after the meeting: 'We congratulated Premier Salam on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and on the vote of confidence.' Darwish said that the visit was an opportunity to present the current condition of the Beirut Municipality and its related affairs and concerns. Salam also met with a delegation from the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), headed by Abbas Fawaz, with whom he discussed the situation of the Lebanese Diaspora. Salam highlighted "the important role and contribution of the Lebanese Diaspora in the recovery and renaissance of Lebanon." For his part, Fawaz said after the meeting that the delegation briefed the Premier on the activities of the Lebanese Diaspora, specifically WLCU activities and the conferences that will be held in Lebanon. Salam then received the Lebanese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Fouad Dandan, with whom he discussed the conditions of the Lebanese community in the UAE.
