It is in a country living no less than its worst economic crisis in its history that Jean-Yves Le Drian landed. The head of French diplomacy begins a two-day visit to Lebanon on Thursday. This is especially the first trip in recent months of a senior Western official in the country in the midst of economic sinking, which hopes for international aid.
The number two of the French government arrived Wednesday evening in Beirut, will first meet President Michel Aoun, before meeting with Prime Minister Hassan Diab, then the head of Parliament Nabih Berri. The minister's visit comes in an explosive context in Lebanon, marked by an unprecedented depreciation of its currency, soaring prices, large-scale layoffs and banking restrictions on withdrawals and transfers abroad. Almost half of the population lives in poverty and 35% of the working population is unemployed, according to official statistics.
Demonstrations since October 2019
Le ras-le-bol sparked in October 2019 an unprecedented popular uprising against an entire political class accused of corruption and incompetence, almost unchanged for decades. To calm the discontent, the defaulting country adopted a stimulus plan at the end of April and promised reforms. However, negotiations initiated in mid-May with the International Monetary Fund to obtain financial assistance are still at a standstill. To date, Beirut is hoping for around $ 10 billion in IMF aid.
France makes no secret of its desire to show its influence in the country. “Today there is a risk of collapse. The Lebanese authorities need to pull themselves together, and let me say here to our Lebanese friends: really we are ready to help you but help us to help you, damn it! “Jean-Yves Le Drian had launched on July 8 in front of the Senate. His visit confirms Paris's desire to diplomatically keep control of this issue.
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