Macron slams Lebanese political elite at global donors' conference for Lebanon

One year after the explosion in the port of Beirut, a symbol of the serious crisis in Lebanon, France and the United Nations have organised an International Aid Conference for the Mediterranean country. "In particular, it is a matter of responding to the most urgent needs in the areas of food security, water and sanitation, health and education," stressed the participants. Member countries have pledged some $370 million to help Lebanon while reiterating the need to "form a government whose mission is to save the country".

French President Emmanuel Macron, one of the architects of the aid fund, has blamed the current situation on the Lebanese political leadership for putting their "individual and partisan interests above the interests of the Lebanese people". This crisis, he said, "is the result of a dysfunctional political system". Macron also pointed out that "the Lebanese authorities seem to be betting on a deterioration of the situation", since the formation of a new government has been delayed for months. This fact has been considered by the Frenchman as a "historic and moral mistake". "There will be no blank cheque for the Lebanese political system. They are the ones who have been failing since the beginning of the crisis," Macron said.

Regarding the explosion that claimed the lives of more than 200 people, Macron stressed that Lebanese politicians must show the truth regarding the investigations into the accident. "Lebanon's leaders owe their people the truth and transparency," he declared. Moreover, the Elysée has pledged to donate nearly 100 million euros over the next 12 months "in direct support of the Lebanese people". "We will participate in the reconstruction process of the port of Beirut and we will double aid through organisations," he added.

US President Joe Biden also pledged a humanitarian aid fund worth $100 million. Like his French counterpart, Biden addressed Lebanese leaders, urging them to fight corruption and calling for the economic reforms needed to improve the country. "This foreign aid will not be enough if Lebanese leaders are not committed to doing the difficult and necessary work. In addition to this amount, Washington has sent nearly $560 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon in recent years. Moreover, Biden assured that if Lebanese leaders begin to work on the road to recovery, "they will find the United States by their side every step of the way to build a promising future for the Lebanese".

Most of the countries that have secured financial assistance have used the conference as an opportunity to reproach the country's leaders for their political actions. "Let me be frank: this crisis is mainly man-made. The Lebanese political actors have failed to live up to their responsibilities and the legitimate expectations of the Lebanese people," declared Heiko Mass, the German foreign minister, announcing that Berlin would donate 40 million euros to Lebanon.

The European Union has offered 5.5 million euros in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Lebanese hospitals are on the verge of collapse and pharmacies have warned of drug shortages. Brussels, like all other countries and organisations, has also threatened the ruling elite with sanctions if they obstruct attempts to improve public sector governance and accountability, reports AFP.

The United Nations, which has warned on numerous occasions about the critical situation in Lebanon, has called for a "transparent investigation" into the Beirut port explosion. "We hope that Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati will form a government quickly because the Lebanese deserve strong institutions that can save the country and an administration that achieves stability and growth and invests in the skills of Lebanon's youth," said UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Mohammed also stressed that the UN cooperates with non-governmental organisations to address the needs of the country's citizens.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), another major institution participating in the conference, will allocate $860 million in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva recalled that "it is imperative that SDRs are used in a responsible and prudent manner".

Arab countries have also shown their support for Beirut and pledged to help the country overcome the crisis. "Egypt's hands are extended to the international community to unite and harness all our capabilities to support Lebanon in building a better future for its people," said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The Arab leader also recalled Lebanon's relevance in the Arab world. "It has always been a beacon of culture, art and thought, and it can still overcome the current setback and return to prosperity," said Al-Sisi.

King Abdullah II of Jordan recalled Lebanon's key role in the refugee crisis as the country continues to host vulnerable people. The Hashemite monarch stressed the importance of "coordinated international assistance reaching all regions of Lebanon", as well as the relevance of Lebanese institutions in achieving stability.

Qatar has also joined the humanitarian aid effort by providing the Lebanese armed forces with 70 tonnes of food per month. Doha, like other countries, insists on the need for a new government "to achieve stability".

Saudi Arabia, for its part, has stressed that Hezbollah's hegemony in the country is one of the main reasons for the crisis facing Beirut, as Saudi Foreign Minister Faisan Bin Farhan has pointed out.

In the face of the large international mobilisation and statements calling for transparency, Lebanese President Michel Aoun has pledged to achieve justice and hold accountable those involved in the August crash. "I reiterate my commitment and assure you that no one is above the law," said Aoun. He also reminded the international community of the "urgent need" to reopen the port of Beirut.

In the midst of planning and organising international aid, the Lebanese people continue to show their rejection of the political class. On the anniversary of the deadly explosion that deepened the country's crisis, thousands of Lebanese took to the streets to demand justice.

The protesters, who tried to cross the parliament's security barriers chanting "revolution, revolution", were dispersed by security forces with tear gas and water cannons. Calming the social tension and fixing the bleak economic outlook is now in the hands of Nabij Mikati, Lebanon's new prime minister.