Discussion with Mrs. Nayla Geagea about early parliamentary elections and looted public money
Lawyer, researcher, activist and member of the reputable Beirut Madinati movement, Ms. Nayla Geagea discussed various matters in a very clear and visual way, bringing her own explanatory slides. At the time, Lebanese citizens were eager to learn about early parliamentary elections, a option widely debated about in light of the October Revolution.
Initially, there was a long detailing of the procedure that should have occurred: beginning with a transitional transparent government, where the number of ministers is equally divided between men and women, having all a clear political program. We also explored their roles as ministers to take the necessary measures in order to solve the economic and social crisis while conserving the environment and natural resources.
Finally, the group tackled the importance of holding those who are concerned accountable of corruption, by creating a independent judiciary system. Eventually, the government would restore its trust in the people and should prepare early parliamentary elections.
-Written by Ahmad Jenzarli
Discussion with Mr. Nawaf Kabbara about recent developments on the lebanese political scene Copy
Discussion with Mr. Nawaf Kabbara about recent developments on the lebanese political scene
Discussion with Mr. Maurice Matta about the economic situation and the reality of the lebanese currency
Mr. Maurice Matta, an economical expert, was the speaker of a very productive talk that hosted a full house of interested minds. Although some had misconceptions, thinking that the revolution lead to the economic crisis, Mr. Matta explained that this crisis was going to happen sooner or later regardless of the uprising. It is the crisis that led to the revolution, not vice versa. As for the banking sector and the fixation of the peg currency, Mr. Matta explained the systems of “capital control” and “haircut” on depositors’ money.
Moreover, the floor was opened for a debate about why some employers gain their salaries in the dollar currency rather than the LBP and thus supporting local transactions. Mr. Maurice emphasized on the fact the dollar should be left for investments and international businesses. Furthermore, he quoted, “In times of hardship, whether unemployment or hunger it affects all people from all classes and from all regions, in the end the economy affects the whole population.”
He also stressed on the measures BDL (Banque Du Liban) had to take in order to protect the currency and the limitations on withdrawing money the private banks adopted. In addition, he shed light on the appearance of the black market and exchangers misuse of the current situation. Lastly, he fully appointed fingers on the government for the crash of the economy and devaluation of the currency due to their high reliance on debt without having the proper means and studies to figure out their capabilities to repay back.
-Written by Karim Ghamrawi
Open discussion about efficient methods used by the people to pressure the government
Open discussion.
Discussion with Mrs. Dima Sadek about the role of the 4th power : The Media
News is that part of communication that keeps us informed of the changing events in the world outside. Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a utility to empower the informed. The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies and their governments.
Dima Sadek, a Lebanese anchor and political talk show host, precisely spoke about the role of journalists and the extent of liberty they hold in a country like Lebanon. As a matter of fact, Sadek confirmed that the internet has created channels of communication that play a key role in circulating news, and social media has the power to change not just the message, but the dynamics of political corruption, values, and the dynamics of conflict in politics. In order to back up her argument, she used Donald Trump’s use of social media as an example and how he has attracted worldwide attention: The President uses Twitter and other social media platforms to make comments about other politicians, celebrities and daily news.
Furthermore, she insisted at the time when it is essential for the press to be independent, when everyone should be investing their efforts into safeguarding the well-being of the press, instead, the world over, there are economic, religious, political, and legal pressures that are controlling the freedom of expression of journalists, media outlets, and even citizens themselves. Indeed, freedom of the press in Lebanon has always been at risk, many Lebanese journalists have been assassinated for their opinions.
Finally, the Lebanese presenter carried out how online attacks against women journalists have become more visible, more coordinated, more deadly, hence receiving threats and being subjected to harassment.
-Written by Riwa Madi
Discussion with Mr. Paul Achkar about the electoral law and Tripoli sub-elections
Paul Achkar’s discussion.
Discussion with Mr. Adib Tohme about the economic situation : public debt, the budget, Cedre, etc…
Mr. Adib Tohme, a writer, lawyer and economist was the speaker of the anticipated second discussion. At the time, the media was emphasizing on a massive decline in our economy and the country’s growing debt and inaction towards finding resolutions, so people were interested to discover the depth of the crisis we were in.
First of all, the economic situation in the country was talked about in a general view, highlighting the fact that the road the government’s actions are only leading us towards a real crisis. Next was a reviewing on how political parties control Lebanese citizens into voting for them by playing to their weaknesses (bribing before the elections, participation in political activities). The government’s inaction in accordance of the CEDRE agreement was also debated.
At the end of the talk, Mr. Tohme was asked if a revolution could solve the country’s crisis. He replied that he believes a revolution is the only way out of the vicious cycle we’re in, but that was very hard to achieve given the sectarianism dividing the people…
-Written by Ahmad Jenzarli
Discussion with writer and political activist Mrs. Joumana Haddad about secularism and the establishment of a secular state
A fruitful discussion with Ms. Joumana Haddad about secularism and its importance in re-building our country :
Since the definition of the notion of secularism is quite unclear for a large number of people here in Lebanon, we found it essential to start our debate in an educational way, so Ms. Haddad gave the proper and right definition of the term ‘secularism’, and this was just the foundation that she built thoughts on throughout the entire talk.
In addition to that, being as humble as we expected her to be, she walked us through her personal experience in the 2018 parliamentary elections and that’s when the debate got intense. Some people started doubting the honesty and credibility of the civil society and one of the questions that caught everyone’s attention was: “How can we be sure that the civil society won’t act the same as other political political parties once or if it reaches the authority its aiming for?”
And of course, Ms. Joumana’s answer was in its most righteous place as she replied: “I always answer this question in the same way and tell people that I would rather vote for someone that has a 50% chance of him/her being a good deputy and a fair one as well, than vote for someone and be a hundred percent sure that he/she is not the right person for the position, it’s a risk worth taking. We have all seen the performance of people that have been ruling our country for the last 20 years and I think we can easily sit, judge and say that they aren’t the most perfect representatives of our country”