Beirut: The Political Bureau of the Lebanese Kataeb Party convened under the leadership of Deputy President Bernard Gerbaka to address pressing political, economic, and social issues. The meeting concluded with a strong call for the Lebanese government to move from decision-making to implementation, specifically in removing weapons operating outside state authority. This initiative begins with declaring Beirut a weapons-free city and extends to all Lebanese territories, reinforcing the state's exclusive control over security and military decisions.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the bureau emphasized that re-establishing state authority over war and peace decisions is crucial to ending ongoing conflicts, liberating occupied territories, facilitating displaced persons' return, and initiating reconstruction efforts. This move aims to restore confidence in Lebanon from Arab nations and the international community, highlighting the state's capability to maintain stability.
The bureau expressed concerns about the worsening economic and social situation as winter nears. Families are grappling with rising tuition, heating, and diesel fuel costs, exacerbated by continuous price hikes and dwindling purchasing power. They urged the government to alleviate financial burdens on citizens instead of levying additional taxes and fees.
Furthermore, the bureau called for government efforts to bolster state revenues by tackling smuggling and tax evasion, reducing waste, and enhancing revenue collection. These actions are seen as essential for fair financial burden distribution. They stressed that addressing Lebanon's economic and social crisis requires ending the war and reinstating stability, enabling international support mobilization and organizing conferences to reinforce the Lebanese Armed Forces and support economic recovery and reconstruction.
The bureau also cautioned against the dangers of rising extremist rhetoric, both political and religious, emphasizing its detrimental impact on children and younger generations. It urged the state to protect children from becoming victims of political and social division, violence, and hatred.