Strong Lebanon bloc stresses government should focus on stimulating economy

The Strong Lebanon parliamentary bloc welcomed on Tuesday the step made by President Michel Aoun to consult with the heads of political blocs in Baabda on the reformist government plan, considering that "serious dialogue and building around this plan, especially at the Parliament's Finance and Budget Committee with the aim of developing, amending and converging on common denominators between the various parties in the public and private sectors, would fortify the Lebanese negotiating position, both locally and internationally, and qualify it to obtain the required financing."

The bloc reaffirmed its "consistent position on the protection of depositors and the equitable distribution of burdens between the State, the Central Bank of Lebanon, and the banks, in whatever plan to follow, at present or in the future."

Conferees stressed that "the government must focus on stimulating the economy and empowering the social safety net through immediate and rapid measures, as well as by initiating reforms that require executive decisions."