Aoun stresses anti-corruption drive, vows independence of oversight bodies
10/3/2025 2:41:00 PM
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun affirmed that one of the foremost priorities of his administration and government is to strengthen regulatory bodies to ensure that state institutions operate transparently, corruption and bribery are eradicated, and citizens feel they live under the rule of law rather than in a system of patronage and impunity.
Aoun stressed there would be “no leniency whatsoever with the corrupt,” warning that any interference or pressure on regulatory institutions would be firmly resisted, in line with their legal independence.
Aoun’s remarks came during a tour of several oversight agencies, including the Civil Service Council, the Public Procurement Authority, the Central Inspection, and the Court of Audit.
At the Civil Service Council, President Aoun met Chairwoman Nisrine Mashmoushi and other senior officials, who briefed him on recruitment exams and training programs. Aoun praised their work, urging impartiality, swift exams to fill vacancies, and modern performance evaluation to uphold meritocracy and build a “modern, professional state.”
At the Public Procurement Authority, Chairman Jean Alia underscored staff shortages but hailed the president’s backing. Aoun in turn called for full transparency, rigorous enforcement of procurement law, digitization of tenders, and stronger supplier oversight, stressing that the authority “is the gateway to rationalizing public spending.”
At the Central Inspection, President Aoun met Judge George Attieh and emphasized tougher on-site inspections, stronger preemptive monitoring, and integrity among inspectors, calling them “the vigilant eyes of the state.”
At the Court of Audit, President Aoun met President Judge Mohammad Badran, who reported progress on auditing state accounts. Aoun urged swifter adjudication of financial violations, proactive oversight of major contracts, and publication of findings to bolster public trust, affirming: “Be the sword of justice against corruption.”
Separately, Aoun received Edward Gabriel, President of the ATFL (Task Force for Lebanon), with discussions covering his recent U.S. meetings and continued American support for Lebanon, particularly the army and the state’s exclusive control of weapons. Aoun decorated Gabriel with the National Order of the Cedar, rank of Officer, in recognition of his efforts in support of Lebanon.
Aoun stressed there would be “no leniency whatsoever with the corrupt,” warning that any interference or pressure on regulatory institutions would be firmly resisted, in line with their legal independence.
Aoun’s remarks came during a tour of several oversight agencies, including the Civil Service Council, the Public Procurement Authority, the Central Inspection, and the Court of Audit.
At the Civil Service Council, President Aoun met Chairwoman Nisrine Mashmoushi and other senior officials, who briefed him on recruitment exams and training programs. Aoun praised their work, urging impartiality, swift exams to fill vacancies, and modern performance evaluation to uphold meritocracy and build a “modern, professional state.”
At the Public Procurement Authority, Chairman Jean Alia underscored staff shortages but hailed the president’s backing. Aoun in turn called for full transparency, rigorous enforcement of procurement law, digitization of tenders, and stronger supplier oversight, stressing that the authority “is the gateway to rationalizing public spending.”
At the Central Inspection, President Aoun met Judge George Attieh and emphasized tougher on-site inspections, stronger preemptive monitoring, and integrity among inspectors, calling them “the vigilant eyes of the state.”
At the Court of Audit, President Aoun met President Judge Mohammad Badran, who reported progress on auditing state accounts. Aoun urged swifter adjudication of financial violations, proactive oversight of major contracts, and publication of findings to bolster public trust, affirming: “Be the sword of justice against corruption.”
Separately, Aoun received Edward Gabriel, President of the ATFL (Task Force for Lebanon), with discussions covering his recent U.S. meetings and continued American support for Lebanon, particularly the army and the state’s exclusive control of weapons. Aoun decorated Gabriel with the National Order of the Cedar, rank of Officer, in recognition of his efforts in support of Lebanon.