Lebanon’s deposits crisis drags on. The “Lana” party held a press conference on the issue. MP Halima Kaakour gave the main speech.
She sharply criticized the political authorities and the Banque du Liban governor. She also warned against attempts to dodge justice. In her words, the crisis is being treated as “just numbers and abstract losses.” Meanwhile, those truly responsible for the collapse avoid criminal prosecution.
Kaakour said the loss of depositors’ money was no accident. She blamed a close alliance, which she called a “mafia and a network of political, banking and media interests.”
She noted that foreign courts keep opening these cases. In her view, this exposes how weak and slow the local judiciary is. Her camp insists on pushing Lebanese courts to act with strength and courage. She recently sent a formal question to the justice minister on the matter.
Some doubt that reform-minded MPs can make a difference. Kaakour answered: “If you think our small numbers in parliament mean weakness, you are betting wrong. This battle is measured not by numbers, but by the power of right and justice we carry.”
She added that the ruling authority is trying in vain to hide those responsible. She also insisted that the top banking body must act independently and transparently, free of complicity.
On restructuring the banking sector, Kaakour warned against deliberately mixing up two things. One is “saving the real banking sector.” The other is “saving corrupt bankers.”
A sound, lasting banking sector depends on one thing, she said: winning back people’s trust. That trust will not return through fake measures. It needs deep, genuine reforms. These must protect depositors’ rights and prevent further blows to people’s life savings.
