Hariri Says Reforms are ‘Inevitable’

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said during an Iftar held by al-Mustaqbal Movement on Sunday in Beirut that the world is waiting for the implementation of reforms in Lebanon which eventually fall in country’s interest.

“The world is waiting for clear procedures from Lebanon so it can help us. The world is waiting for serious reforms in our interest and not in anyone else’s interest, bold decisions to stop squander, and a clear project that the law is above all and stronger than everyone. We have no choice but to implement these reforms,” said Hariri.

His Iftar remarks came in the presence of former Prime Ministers Tammam Salam and Fouad Siniora, a number of ministers and deputies, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Arab ambassadors and Beiruti figures.

In his speech Hariri said:

The fact that the holy month of Ramadan came immediately after the elections is useful for the country, at least in terms of easing gradually the political rhetoric and asking everyone to remain committed to calm and to fast from escalation.

The elections are behind us and you, the people of Beirut, are the guarantee for Beirut to remain the beacon of Arabism, moderation and stability.

What is important is to know that the role of Beirut, the identity of Beirut, the demands of Beirut, are our responsibility for all of us, and our duty, with the Future Parliamentary Bloc, is to protect this legacy.

What is also important is for elections to be a serious opportunity for a governmental and legislative workshop that makes a qualitative leap in the political performance and restores confidence in the role of the state and institutions.

The first required step is to speed up the formation of the government and agree on a government team that can carry the responsibility of facing the economic, social and national challenges.

All the Lebanese are watching the government and Parliament.

In the last year and a half, we moved the country from instability to stability.

People want to feel safe, because they see what is happening in other countries. People want services, because it is shameful that the State cannot provide electricity, water, education and health care.

We can all see, a few meters from here, how when you give people a chance to be happy, the heart of Beirut rejoices. Without stability, there is no economy, no guarantees, no labor markets and no feeling of safety.

The core of life in the country lies in stability, the guarantee of stability lies in the power of the state, and the power of the state lies in the confidence of the people in it.

The world is waiting for clear procedures from Lebanon so it can help us. The world is waiting for serious reforms in our interest and not in anyone else’s interest, bold decisions to stop squander, and a clear project that the law is above all and stronger than everyone. We have no choice but to implement these reforms.

Some think that these are painful options. I think they are inevitable options because pain for an hour is better for the country and the people than pain every hour.

I hope that the consultations on the government will take into account these issues and the country's need to accelerate the formation.

People do not care about one less or one additional minister, people care about the prestige of the state and political, social and economic stability.

People want a team for work not for political dispute, and I am walking on the path of the people, the path of the loyalty that we saw in Beirut and all of Lebanon.

We hope that the coming days will be better. God bless you all.

Long live Beirut and Lebanon”.