This special episode of “Solb Al Mawdouh” on The Speech examines the future of Solidere and Downtown Beirut.
The discussion focuses on the ongoing negotiations between the government and the company over the terms of a possible extension, or the alternative of moving toward liquidation.
A group of experts and specialists took part in the discussion.
The episode began by examining whether the vision of “Beirut, a historic city for the future” has been achieved.
The participants largely agreed that much of Downtown Beirut has become empty, with limited social life and few of the middle-class communities that once formed the heart of the city.
Economic writer Mounir Younes and urban planning researcher Soha Mneimneh also raised questions about transparency.
They pointed to the lack of sufficient disclosure regarding the company’s ownership structure and major shareholders, including Antoine Sehnaoui.
They also called for a stronger role for the Capital Markets Authority.
Meanwhile, Antoine Dagher, General Manager of the St. George Resort, discussed the resort’s ongoing legal difficulties.
He also addressed alleged encroachments on the seafront and the lack of necessary administrative and legal support.
For his part, Mohammad Balouza, a member of Beirut Municipal Council, highlighted the council’s limited involvement in discussions concerning partnerships, financial accounts and revenues owed to the municipality.
The discussion concluded by examining the conditions being proposed by the current government, headed by Nawaf Salam.
These conditions aim to introduce reforms and development projects that could help revive Beirut’s urban fabric and architectural heritage.
