Al-Rahi: Lebanon Needs to Revitalize its People, Leadership to Keep up with Modernity

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi reiterated on Sunday the Maronite bishops council’s warning earlier this week of an economic collapse in Lebanon should the current situation in the country persist.

He said during his Sunday sermon: “Lebanon is in need of revitalizing its people, leadership, and structure in order to allow it to keep up with modernity and globalization.”

“This will help contribute to achieving stability in the region and accomplishing its Arab Spring,” he said.

“Lebanon is in need of individuals who can handle the country’s economic, social, political, and development affairs away from achieving personal and material gain,” he continued.

The patriarch explained that the Maronite bishops issued their warning after meeting with economic and financial experts.

The bishops warned on Wednesday of an economic collapse in Lebanon given the state’s failure in meeting the needs of the private and public institutions.

They blamed the current situation on poor economic policies since the end of the Lebanese civil war, the increase in corruption, and “the loss of the state’s decision-making power given the deep political divisions.”