ESC Votes for New Head, Hariri Hails Move as Govt Achievement

Prime Minister Saad Hariri said on Monday that elections of the Economic and Social Council of Lebanon, revived in October after 15 years of suspension, constitute a new achievement for the government.

“The government has placed the reactivation of its institutions at the top of priorities. Electing Charles Arbid as chairperson of the council is an additional government achievement,” said Hariri.

“We still have many challenges ahead of us. Many economic difficulties face us and we have to cooperate to find solutions,” added Hariri.

On Monday, Arbid has won by acclamation the chairmanship of the Economic and Social Council.

Arbid has good ties with President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri's adviser, Nader Hariri, reports say.

In October, the Cabinet appointed 71 new members on the Economic and Social Council of Lebanon, reviving it after 15 years of suspension.

The Council is comprised of 12 women representing 17% of the total number of members.