In his Sunday homily, the Cardinal calls on the interim prime minister Mustafa Adib to establish a "strong and competent" executive, who can inspire "seriousness, skill and hope". Among the priorities are the return of current accounts to their owners, stop emigration and attract aid and investments.
Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In the face of a political and institutional crisis that shows no signs of stopping, yesterday the Maronite Patriarch Card. Beshara Raï called on the interim prime minister Mustafa Adib to proceed with the formation of a "reduced" emergency executive.
In his Sunday homily, the cardinal stressed that the new government should be "strong and competent”, capable of inspiring “seriousness, ability and hope.”
“It should trust itself and the people should have confidence in it, seeing as this critical period requires a government from the people and for the people, not from politicians and for politicians,” the patriarch urged. “The critical period requires a government that negotiates responsibly with the International Monetary Fund, launches a real reform endeavor and dissociates Lebanon from conflicts,” the cardinal continued.
In recent days, the Land of Cedars commemorated the terrible accident of early August, the double explosion that caused hundreds of victims and left tens of thousands of families homeless, gutting entire neighbourhoods.
Pope Francis also wished to participate in the sufferings of the Lebanese people, sending Vatican Secretary of State Card Pietro Parolin, who addressed the people and stressed that "the whole world is with you".
Also yesterday, in his homily, the Maronite patriarch said that the new executive must return "the bank accounts" to their owners, give new weight and strength to the national currency, attract aid and investment from abroad.
To this must be added the essential task of "rebuilding the capital and the port", as well as stopping the continuous emigration of families and young people, giving new impetus to building development "so that people can return to live before winter ".
Finally, we need to ensure the necessary aid for universities and schools "so that they can resume their lessons at full capacity".
Analyzing the programmatic discourse, Card Raï deplored the lack of a reference to the "neutrality" of the country of the cedars with respect to regional conflicts. Past governments, from 1943 to 1980, had approved neutrality and non-alignment in terms of international politics.