Latest news with #AdelNassar
LBCI
11-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon faces political paralysis: Key appointments remain on hold
Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The term of Lebanon's four deputy governors at the Banque du Liban (BDL) officially ended on June 9, yet no successors have been appointed, nor have the current officials had their mandates renewed. While the publicly cited reason for the delay is the packed travel schedules of the President and the Prime Minister, the real cause lies in deep political divisions—primarily between the President and the Parliament Speaker and, to a lesser extent, between the President and the Prime Minister, along with other stakeholders involved in the appointments. This institutional deadlock is not limited to BDL. Similar paralysis has affected judicial and diplomatic appointments. Political infighting, conflicting conditions, and a quota-based power-sharing system have complicated even the distribution of ambassadorial posts to key global capitals. In the judiciary, tensions have escalated into a standoff between Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Speaker Nabih Berri over appointments in the financial judiciary sector. Lebanon is teetering on the brink of total paralysis. Every major decision appears suspended, dependent on unpredictable external developments, while political gridlock deepens with each passing day. Security concerns add to the instability, with mounting obstacles to implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah's weapons north of the Litani River, as well as the disarmament of Palestinian groups. On the financial front, the international community is awaiting the adoption of a comprehensive package of reform laws and a credible plan to close the financial gap, prerequisites for finalizing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ultimately, Lebanon remains mired in political obstruction. A profound trust crisis persists among the country's leaders as they await foreign initiatives that have yet to materialize. Meanwhile, the goal of rebuilding the state, reforming its institutions, and putting Lebanon on a path to recovery remains suspended in uncertainty, with no resolution in sight.
LBCI
11-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Justice Minister Nassar stresses state authority over arms, vows to shield judiciary from politics
Justice Minister Adel Nassar emphasized that building a state requires that all weapons be under the state's authority, noting significant progress on the issue since he took office. In a press conference, Nassar affirmed that weapons outside the control of the Lebanese state are unacceptable and that exclusive state control over arms is a core element of state-building. He stated: 'We worked on the Judicial Independence Law and appointments, and there is no regularity in judicial work, especially regarding the port explosion investigation and assassinations, including the killing of Lokman Slim.' He added: 'I am against politicizing or exploiting any case in the judiciary. I am here to create the conditions necessary for order, and I do not interfere in investigations.' Nassar confirmed that the Judicial Inspection Authority is highly effective and doing its job seriously, noting that results will become evident over time. He also mentioned that a large French delegation will visit Lebanon at the end of this month to support the work of the judicial institute, which is a cornerstone in preparing future judges. Nassar stressed that he is not engaged in political battles over judicial appointments and is working to keep the process free from political disputes.
LBCI
04-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's Justice Minister and IMF discuss reforms and FATF grey list removal
Justice Minister Adel Nassar met with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headed by Ernesto Rigo, the fund's mission chief to Lebanon. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed key achievements at the Justice Ministry since Nassar assumed office, particularly major reform steps taken so far. These include the draft law on judicial independence and recent judicial appointments. They also discussed recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the necessary measures Lebanon must take to be removed from the organization's grey list.
LBCI
30-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Justice Minister Adel Nassar concludes official visit to France with high-level meetings on judicial cooperation
Lebanon's Justice Minister, Adel Nassar, concluded his official visit to the French Republic following a series of high-level judicial and administrative meetings in Paris. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and France in the judicial field, as well as exchanging expertise in judicial organization and institutional reform. A key moment in the visit was Minister Nassar's meeting with his French counterpart, Gérald Darmanin, at the French Ministry of Justice, where they discussed ways to support Lebanon's reform path, particularly efforts to modernize the justice system and strengthen judicial independence. Minister Darmanin affirmed France's full readiness to support Lebanon through technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and specialized training programs aimed at strengthening Lebanese judicial institutions. The two sides also discussed the possibility of a visit by the French minister to Lebanon in the near future. Minister Nassar also held meetings with several top judicial figures, including Christophe Soulard, President of the French Court of Cassation; Rémy Heitz, Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation; and other senior officials. The discussions addressed the role of judicial councils in reinforcing the independence of the judiciary and promoting transparency and professional accountability, as well as ways to strengthen direct cooperation between the French and Lebanese judiciaries. In a meeting with Stéphane Noël, Inspector General at the French Ministry of Justice, Nassar explored judicial governance mechanisms and the development of oversight and evaluation systems within judicial and administrative institutions. Noël expressed his full readiness to cooperate and plans to visit Lebanon in July. The visit concluded with a meeting between Minister Nassar and Jérémie Pellet, Director General of Expertise France, during which they discussed avenues of cooperation in technical assistance, judicial training, and institutional capacity building—particularly in relation to modernizing Lebanon's Judicial Studies Institute. Minister Nassar extended his deep gratitude to the French authorities, especially Ambassador Hervé Magro, for his direct supervision in organizing the meetings, which marked an important step in reaffirming France's support for Lebanon, particularly in its efforts to uphold the rule of law and judicial independence.
LBCI
10-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Judicial reform in motion: Lebanon's Cabinet approves long-stalled draft law to curb political interference
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Lebanon's Cabinet has approved a draft law to secure greater judicial independence, a long-sought reform following years of political interference that has weakened the judiciary and stalled key appointments. Passed on May 2, the bill is part of a broader reform package repeatedly delayed by political and sectarian interests seeking to maintain control over the courts. The legislation introduces several changes designed to shield judges from external influence and strengthen accountability within the judiciary. Under the proposed framework, half of the members of the key judicial council would be elected, while the remaining five would be appointed through a mix of ministerial and Cabinet decisions. Specifically, the justice minister would name two members based on recommendations from senior judges, while the Cabinet would select the final three from candidates proposed by the Higher Judicial Council. According to Justice Minister Adel Nassar, this hybrid approach, combining election and appointment, is meant to strike a balance and promote institutional stability. The bill also establishes an independent body to evaluate judges every four years. The aim is to enhance professionalism and transparency through ongoing training and performance assessments. Still, not everyone is on board. The Lebanese Judges Association has urged lawmakers to incorporate the recommendations it submitted on the draft law, warning that gaps remain. The legislation comes amid pledges by Lebanon's new leadership to pursue long-overdue institutional reforms. Whether this draft will clear Parliament and finally make it onto the books remains to be seen—but if passed, it could mark a turning point for Lebanon's long-troubled judiciary.
