Lebanon needs to reform its confessional system of government, which has become an obstacle to social development and economic recovery, the Lebanese President Michel Aoun addressed citizens.
"Yes, I tell you, it is time to carry out governance reform, because the confessional system has outlived its usefulness and has become an obstacle to reforms and the fight against corruption, it has become a source of threat of turmoil and division," Aoun stressed. His speech was timed to coincide with an important historical date - the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Great Lebanon under the French mandate. This event, which will be celebrated on 1 September, preceded the establishment of the Lebanese Republic in 1926 and the country's independence in 1943.
The President of Lebanon pointed to the need to develop "a new national concept that will pave the way for the creation of a civil pluralistic society". "I call for the proclamation of Lebanon as a secular state and promise to start a dialogue on this issue with all spiritual leaders and political forces in order to adopt the necessary constitutional amendments," Aoun said.
There are 18 religious communities in Lebanon. According to the confessional structure, the President of the Republic is a Maronite Christian, the speaker of the Parliament is a Shiite Muslim, and the Prime Minister is a Sunni Muslim.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS