NNA - Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Monday met with several delegations at the Grand Serail, emphasizing that financial reform must begin with lifting banking secrecy to distinguish between legitimate and illicit funds. 

In a meeting with the “Depositors’ Cry” group, Salam said banks must bear part of the responsibility by increasing capital and undergoing restructuring. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding state assets and improving their management to support economic recovery.

The Depositors’ delegation, represented by Khalil Barmana, reiterated their rejection of any fragmentation of depositor rights and called for forensic audits across ministries and banks.

Salam also met with the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, headed by MP Fadi Alameh, with whom he discussed the growing pressure of Syrian displacement and UNRWA’s funding cuts. The MPs emphasized Lebanon’s adherence to Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, urging unified diplomatic messaging.

A delegation from retired public servants raised concerns over difficult living conditions. Antoine Jebran conveyed retirees’ trust in the government and called for fairness in pensions and benefits. Salam promised to address their concerns.

In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister received a delegation from the Audit Court led by Judge Mohammad Badran, who presented reports on public spending and challenges facing the institution, including staffing shortages.

The General Labor Confederation, led by Bechara Asmar, pressed for wage increases in both the public and private sectors, implementation of the new pension law, and support for military personnel. They also submitted a memorandum of demands, which Salam pledged to study.

Finally, a delegation from Dar Al-Handasah visited the Serail, including Talal Chaer, Teymour Salam, and Marwan Kobrossli.

=========R.H.