Lebanon on Brink of Political Crisis as French President Emmanuel Macron Urges Immediate Election of New President
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Lebanon's divided politicians to elect a new president immediately to save the country from "drowning in crises".
The presidential vacuum has been ongoing for eight months, and political parties are unable to agree on a candidate, causing a paralysis of institutions.
Macron expressed concern for the country's Christians and emphasized the need for a president who can help Lebanon recover from its economic and institutional crises.
The president of the Maronite Church, Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, also participated in the meeting and agreed with Macron's concern for the country's stability.
Sources in Paris have stated that the aim of the meeting was to bridge the gap between Lebanese parties and agree on a presidential candidate.
The current central bank governor, Riad Salameh, is facing corruption charges and is due to appear before the Lebanese judiciary on Wednesday.
The French judiciary has also accused him and others of amassing a fortune in Europe, and the possibility of prosecuting him in Lebanon is being considered to avoid extradition.
Macron expressed concern for the country's Christians and emphasized the need for a president who can help Lebanon recover from its economic and institutional crises.
The president of the Maronite Church, Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, also participated in the meeting and agreed with Macron's concern for the country's stability.
Sources in Paris have stated that the aim of the meeting was to bridge the gap between Lebanese parties and agree on a presidential candidate.
The current central bank governor, Riad Salameh, is facing corruption charges and is due to appear before the Lebanese judiciary on Wednesday.
The French judiciary has also accused him and others of amassing a fortune in Europe, and the possibility of prosecuting him in Lebanon is being considered to avoid extradition.
