Latest news with #LebaneseParliament
LBCI
4 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Selective accountability: Lebanese Parliament acts on Bouchikian amid demands for broader justice
Report by Maroun Nassif, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi In a rare and sudden move, the Lebanese Parliament is set to vote Wednesday on lifting the parliamentary immunity of MP and former Minister George Bouchikian, allowing the judiciary to proceed with an investigation into allegations of corruption, bribery, embezzlement, and extortion involving factory owners. The decision follows two meetings in recent weeks between the Parliament's Bureau and the Administration and Justice Committee, which led to the formation of a parliamentary investigative committee. That committee, comprising MPs Georges Adwan, Alain Aoun, and Marwan Hamadeh, has submitted a formal recommendation to the General Assembly to lift Bouchikian's immunity. The vote requires a simple majority—only 65 MPs need to be present, and just 33 votes are necessary to pass the motion, making approval all but certain. The anticipated move would mark a rare moment of accountability in Lebanese legislative history. The last time Parliament lifted a member's immunity was in 2000, when MPs Habib Hakim and Yehya Chamas faced legal proceedings. Before that, it was Chahé Barsoumian in 1999. While the decision is being welcomed as a positive step toward enabling judicial investigations, it has raised broader questions about selective accountability. Critics are questioning why the Parliament failed to act on similar requests from Judge Tarek Bitar in the Beirut Port blast case, specifically involving MPs Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zaiter—both of whom have long benefited from political protection. Observers note that Bouchikian's expulsion from the Armenian Tashnag party's parliamentary bloc may have made him an easier political target. The concern, they say, is whether the move signals genuine reform or simply a convenient exception. Calls for broader accountability persist. The Parliament is also expected to vote on the formation of a committee to investigate alleged corruption in the Telecommunications Ministry during the tenures of former ministers Nicolas Sehnaoui, Boutros Harb, and Jamal Jarrah. That effort also requires 65 votes, a number insiders believe can be secured. Still, activists and citizens alike are asking why the Parliament has not launched similar probes into numerous other allegations of corruption and public fund mismanagement involving former ministers from key portfolios such as finance, public works, energy, interior, foreign affairs, and the displaced. For many, lifting Bouchikian's immunity will only carry weight if it marks the beginning of a broader effort to hold all officials accountable—regardless of their political affiliations.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
'No turning back:' PM Salam vows to restore state sovereignty and defend Lebanon's rights
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed Lebanon's parliament Wednesday with a firm pledge to pursue reform, restore state sovereignty, and rally international pressure on Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory and halt its ongoing violations. 'We reaffirm our commitment and determination to reform and recovery,' Salam said. 'We will spare no effort in mobilizing Arab and international support to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanese land and end its aggression.' In his remarks, Salam acknowledged the weight of the task ahead. 'There is no doubt our responsibility is great, and we are determined to carry it. Our government's program is reform-driven, but we face inherited obstacles,' he stated. Salam praised the army for 'restoring state authority south of the Litani River,' and affirmed the government's commitment to extending full sovereignty to areas north of it as well. 'What we declared in the government's policy statement and the president's oath of office is not just a statement of intent—it is a firm and irreversible commitment,' he added. He announced a comprehensive strategy for the return of Syrian refugees, dubbed a 'safe and sustainable' plan. He also reaffirmed that depositors' rights remain a top priority and that restoring trust in the financial system requires transparency and regulatory discipline. Responding to criticism over the lack of a clear electricity plan, Salam pushed back: 'Some have claimed we have no plan for electricity, but I am confident that what we'll present will prove otherwise.' He also revealed that negotiations over the proposed 'Starlink' satellite internet project are still ongoing, signaling the government's continued effort to improve digital infrastructure.
LBCI
30-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese Parliament holds session despite walkouts by major blocs
The Lebanese Parliament held a legislative session on Monday, maintaining quorum despite the withdrawal of several blocs, including the Lebanese Forces, Kataeb Party, and some opposition and independent MPs. Nine items were listed for discussion. According to an LBCI correspondent, the chamber initially had 68 MPs present—enough to secure quorum. A short while later, a number of opposition MPs returned to the session, bringing the total number of lawmakers in attendance to 77.
LBCI
05-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun and PM Salam discuss appointments and South Lebanon developments
President Joseph Aoun signed a decree calling the Lebanese Parliament to convene in an extraordinary session from June 5, 2025, until October 20, 2025. President Aoun also discussed the issue of appointments with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, particularly regarding regulatory bodies. The talks also addressed the situation in the south, the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, and the activation of public sector operations. The two agreed to issue a decree to open the extraordinary parliamentary session.
LBCI
20-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Elias Bou Saab, French Ambassador discuss reform laws and upcoming donor conference
Lebanon's Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab met on Tuesday morning with French Ambassador Hervé Magro and political advisor Romain Calvary at his office in Parliament. The discussions focused on the work of the Lebanese Parliament, including the reform laws that have been passed and those currently under review. The meeting also addressed the steps required from the Lebanese government in preparation for the donor conference scheduled to be held in France in the coming months.
