Al-Rahi Slams 'Intentional' Govt. Delay, Says Popular Revolt Justified

W460

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday lashed out at politicians over what he called the “intentional delay” in forming the new government, as he noted that the popular protests that are engulfing the country are totally justified.

Warning in his Sunday Mass sermon of “a period of lethal challenges that can destroy the country, the people and the entity,” al-Rahi accused politicians of wasting the people’s “money and hope” and creating a state of poverty, hunger and unemployment.

“This state is not limited to a certain religion, sect, party or region,” the patriarch noted, adding that citizens have nothing else left but to take to the streets.

“How can these people not revolt after the dollar exchange rate exceeded LBP 10,000 overnight? How can these people not revolt after the (monthly) minimum wage dropped to $70? How can these people not revolt after their pockets were emptied of money and they no longer can buy bread, food and medicine?” al-Rahi asked.

“And yet some are wondering why the people have exploded!” he exclaimed.

“It would be better to see the people exploding and the country remaining instead of the country exploding and the people ceasing to exist!” he added.

“But we shall remain and the people are stronger than those transgressing against the nation, no matter how mighty their means might be!” al-Rahi went on to say.

SourceNaharnet
Comments 11
Thumb galaxy 07 March 2021, 15:43

Please, spare us your rhetoric! If you are serious, call for Aoun's resignation today better than tomorrow. Otherwise, anything and everything you say is nothing but BS.

Thumb ex-fpm 07 March 2021, 15:50

12 April 2019
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said “things are turning for the better” in the country and that his talks with President Michel Aoun are very “reassuring.”
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/259032

Thumb lubnani.masi7i 07 March 2021, 17:54

So what happened then?

Missing kazan 07 March 2021, 16:48

How can these people not revolt after the dollar exchange rate exceeded LBP 10,000 overnight? How can these people not revolt after the (monthly) minimum wage dropped to $70? How can these people not revolt after their pockets were emptied of money and they no longer can buy bread, food and medicine?” al-Rahi asked.
I like to ask Alrahi : aren't you ashamed to wear these expensive "soutanes"? or does he think he is the Caesar of the Maronites.

Missing rami 08 March 2021, 09:45

He is one of them. He just dresses differently.

Missing kazan 07 March 2021, 16:58

The title Batrak in Lebanon is more powerful and provides more authority and respect than the president, therefore I don't think he is sincere, if he really means what he says, then he should start and lead a national protest march.

Missing kazan 07 March 2021, 16:59

The title Batrak in Lebanon is more powerful and provides more authority and respect than the president, therefore I don't think he is sincere, if he really means what he says, then he should start and lead a national protest march.

Missing 5-7doud 07 March 2021, 18:49

The unusually hateful pushback and personal attacks he's been receiving from the pro Hezbollah-pro Iran medias, editorials, talking heads, official and religious leaders tells to the effectiveness of what he's been preaching lately.

Thumb warrior 08 March 2021, 06:15

He is part and parcel of the ruling mafia.

Thumb barrymore 08 March 2021, 13:14

This guy was and still is the mouthpiece of the FPM. Nothing he says cares any credibility.

Thumb barrymore 08 March 2021, 13:14

*carries