In Beirut visit, France’s Macron promises reform in 'new political pact'
The French president said he would meet with Lebanon's political elite to propose a series of reforms that would ensure aid does not go to waste.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged his country’s support during a tour of the damage in Beirut, stressing that French aid would not fall into “corrupt hands.”
"Beyond the blast, we know the crisis here is serious, it involves the historic responsibility of leaders in place," Macron told reporters Thursday.
"We can't do without telling each other some home truths," he added. "If reforms are not carried out, Lebanon will continue to sink."
Lebanon was in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis well before the Beirut blast or even the coronavirus pandemic. Unemployment hovered around 25% and a collapsing currency had left nearly a third of the population living below the poverty line.
