Makki calls for strengthening state institutions, national unity
3/26/2026 4:37:00 PM
Minister of State for Administrative Development Fadi Makki said Lebanon must reinforce state institutions and prioritize national responsibility as the country faces what he described as an "existential crisis."
Makki stressed that constitutional institutions, foremost the Council of Ministers, remain the legitimate framework for national decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
Moreover, Makki said he attended a Cabinet session despite opposing a recent decision by the Foreign Ministry, arguing that "active participation is a national necessity to ensure the proper functioning of public institutions and to confront escalating challenges."
Makki underscored that Lebanon’s top priority should be addressing what he described as ongoing Israeli attacks, citing "systematic destruction" and the targeting of civilians, medical teams and critical infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian law.
The Minister went on to outline key priorities for the Cabinet in the coming phase, including giving absolute priority to hosting and supporting displaced persons, intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing attacks, particularly in southern villages, and urgently activating Lebanese diplomacy to counter what he described as Israeli expansionist rhetoric, especially south of the Litani River.
Makki also emphasized the importance of preserving civil peace and strengthening internal dialogue, calling them "the only path to protect Lebanon and prevent further division."
He concluded that Lebanon "urgently needs decisions that unite rather than divide, and approaches that strengthen the state rather than weaken it," adding: "There is no alternative to the state."
Makki stressed that constitutional institutions, foremost the Council of Ministers, remain the legitimate framework for national decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
Moreover, Makki said he attended a Cabinet session despite opposing a recent decision by the Foreign Ministry, arguing that "active participation is a national necessity to ensure the proper functioning of public institutions and to confront escalating challenges."
Makki underscored that Lebanon’s top priority should be addressing what he described as ongoing Israeli attacks, citing "systematic destruction" and the targeting of civilians, medical teams and critical infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian law.
The Minister went on to outline key priorities for the Cabinet in the coming phase, including giving absolute priority to hosting and supporting displaced persons, intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing attacks, particularly in southern villages, and urgently activating Lebanese diplomacy to counter what he described as Israeli expansionist rhetoric, especially south of the Litani River.
Makki also emphasized the importance of preserving civil peace and strengthening internal dialogue, calling them "the only path to protect Lebanon and prevent further division."
He concluded that Lebanon "urgently needs decisions that unite rather than divide, and approaches that strengthen the state rather than weaken it," adding: "There is no alternative to the state."