France’s foreign minister says Lebanon is in such a deep political and economic crisis that the country risks collapsing altogether
PARIS — Lebanon is in such a deep political and economic crisis that the country risks collapsing altogether, France’s foreign minister said Thursday.
Lebanon’s government resigned amid accusations of entrenched corruption and negligence after the Aug. 4 explosion that killed nearly 200 people and devastated entire districts of Beirut.
“This country is on the brink,” Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on RTL radio, citing growing poverty, unemployment and inflation. “The risk today is the disappearance of Lebanon” if it doesn’t urgently form a government and institute reforms.
Next week, French President Emmanuel Macron is taking a three-day trip to Lebanon, a former French protectorate. He will offer French support after the devastating port explosion earlier this month, but also ensure that millions in international aid is going to those who need it.
“We will not sign a blank check for a government that does not implement reforms,” notably of public services and the banking system, Le Drian said.
