Hezbollah’s leader said on Tuesday his movement welcomed France’s efforts to help Lebanon out of crisis, but that did not mean the French President Emmanuel Macron could act like the country’s ruler.
In a televised address, Hassan Nasrallah said his heavily armed, Iran-backed group remained ready for dialogue under the French roadmap to pull the nation out of financial meltdown.
But he criticised what he called “patronising behaviour”.
Mr Macron has led foreign aid efforts for his country’s former protectorate and criticised Lebanese sectarian leaders for failing to swiftly agree on a new government.
It was the first step in the French plan to rally them to introduce reforms that could unlock billions of foreign aid dollars, cash Lebanon desperately needs.
Mr Macron said he was “ashamed” of Lebanese politicians and deemed it a betrayal as his initiative faltered.
He gave Lebanon’s politicians four to six weeks to implement his road map and pledged to hold a donor conference for Lebanon in October.
Mr Macron criticised Lebanon’s two main Shiite parties, Hezbollah and its ally the Amal Movement, whose demand to retain their hold on ministries, especially finance, was at the heart of the impasse.
“Who says it’s a betrayal?” Mr Nasrallah retorted on Tuesday. “We did not commit to agreeing a government in any shape or form.”
“We welcomed President Macron when he visited Lebanon and we welcomed the French initiative, but not for him to be judge, jury and executioner – and ruler of Lebanon.”
He accused Sunni leader Saad Al Hariri, along with other former prime ministers, of pulling the strings in an attempt to exploit the French intervention for political points.
Mr Nasrallah blamed them for seeking to sideline Hezbollah and its allies, which hold a majority in Parliament.
Prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib resigned at the weekend after he was unable to form a government.
The crisis, Lebanon’s worst since its 1975-1990 civil war, has pushed it to breaking point and deeper into an existing economic crisis.
Mr Macron has visited the country twice since the huge blast at Beirut’s port in August, which killed at least 190 people, ravaged the capital and prompted the government to resign.
Thousands were wounded, and the disaster sparked new protests against government corruption and mismanagement.
Amal, which chose the last finance minister, said earlier that it respected Mr Macron’s role but was surprised by his comments holding it responsible for the deadlock.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
