Washington: During a reception held at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington on the sidelines of Lebanon's participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber reaffirmed the government's commitment to reform, emphasizing it as a sovereign necessity rather than a response to external pressure.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jaber stated the urgent need for reform is recognized within the government. Each ministry is working under the guidance of the President and Prime Minister to advance this agenda, not to satisfy the IMF or any external party, but because it is demanded by the Lebanese people and the future of the nation. Jaber expressed the aspiration to build a better Lebanon, one to which future generations can return with hope and opportunity.
Jaber criticized the country's decades of mismanagement, highlighting the example of significant public spending that resulted in only a few hours of electricity daily. He emphasized that structural reform is not just about changing personnel but transforming how the state operates, noting the implementation of numerous reform-enabling laws.
The Finance Minister also pointed out new transparent recruitment efforts in state institutions. For instance, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) received over 650 applications for positions at the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), many from the diaspora. Additionally, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announced five vacancies and received 525 applications, which Jaber cited as an indication of trust in the process.
Jaber further explained that the government's agenda is comprehensive, with every issue being a priority, whether it involves Eurobond negotiations, resolving the banking crisis, or engaging international institutions seriously. He stressed that the delegation's visit was not solely about securing funds but about rebuilding trust with the international community, Arab partners, and the Lebanese people. The IMF is seen as a gateway to that trust, and there is a firm commitment to progressing forward.