Sunday, August 05, 2012

“Lebanon risks economic collapse”

A Lebanese Christian waves the Vatican flagLebanon risks economic collapse, Lebanese Maronite bishops warn. 

In a communiqué issued after their usual monthly meeting, the bishops pointed the finger at the economic policies Beirut has adopted since the end of the civil war (1975-90), against corruption and “the loss of State decision making power in light of deep political divisions.”

“The Church cannot shy away from a question whose primary victim is the Lebanese population, above all the poor,” the Maronite clergy stated in reference to the economic situation in Lebanon.

The website of Lebanese newspaper An Nahar states bishops are asking for greater interaction between the public and private sectors, in the context of a process that also involves the Lebanese population abroad. 

They are also asking for “decentralisation” and the adoption of budget policies that can be implemented long term in order to deal with public debt.