Latest news with #RaneemBouKhzam
LBCI
24-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's parliamentary elections: Three main issues spark debate on reforming the electoral law
Report by Raneem Bou Khzam, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The inclusion of the draft law on parliamentary elections, proposed by the Development and Liberation Bloc, on the agenda of the joint committees, has sparked broad discussions about the electoral law. The real debate in the coming period will focus on three main points: the number of preferential votes, voting by expatriates, and the "megacenters" or voting centers where any citizen can vote instead of being forced to go to their hometown. The discussion centers on increasing preferential votes from one to two. The implications of this change are that, in mixed districts, the party with the ability to mobilize and organize votes can direct preferential votes to more than one candidate, potentially winning more seats at the expense of other lists. The debate over expatriate voting revolves around the creation of six parliamentary seats designated for expatriates, as stipulated by the current electoral law. The background of the issue lies in the struggle between those who want to separate the impact of the expatriate vote from the 128 current seats and those who want to maintain their influence in Lebanon. The topic of "megacenters" has also become a point of division. These centers could reduce political parties' influence and pressure on voters. The apparent reason for the division is technical, as the discussion involves the need for magnetic cards to allow voters to vote at their preferred center. However, the underlying reason is political. The joint committees agreed to delay the discussion until all proposals are gathered for review. Outside the committees, the real debate has begun, and the time leading up to the elections allows for the necessary reforms to be made to a law that all parties agree contains several flaws.
LBCI
12-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Diplomatic push: Israel agrees to release Lebanese detainees after US mediation
Report by Raneem Bou Khzam, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Israel has decided to release Lebanese detainees as a "goodwill gesture" toward Lebanon's president, in coordination with the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced. The decision was made following a series of meetings held in Lebanon. Earlier on Tuesday, ambassadors from the Quintet Committee visited Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh. Berri reportedly told the diplomats—particularly the U.S. and French envoys—that Lebanon is being "punished" despite fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, while Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, erect barriers, and carry out attacks on civilians and military personnel. The issue of Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon was also raised in a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, head of the committee overseeing the implementation of Resolution 1701. President Aoun called for increased pressure on Israel to withdraw and return Lebanese detainees. In response, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus announced that Washington would facilitate diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel to resolve outstanding issues. These include the release of Lebanese detainees, disputed points along the Blue Line, and the five positions where Israeli forces remain deployed. Key developments in a single day shifted focus to both the detainees' release and the upcoming diplomatic negotiations.
LBCI
08-02-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's new government Ministers: A look at their diverse backgrounds
Report by Raneem Bou Khzam, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Lebanon's newly formed government brings together ministers from a wide range of backgrounds, signaling a mix of expertise across key sectors, including politics, education, defense, health, and the economy. As the country faces pressing challenges, the new cabinet is set to play a crucial role in shaping Lebanon's future. Meet the new ministers: Tarek Metri, who previously served as Minister of Culture and Minister Information, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister. Michel Mnassa, a retired Army General, has been appointed Minister of Defense. Ahmad Al-Hajjar, also a retired Army General, is the new Minister of Interior. Youssef Raji, Lebanon's former Ambassador to Jordan, is now Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yassine Jaber, a former MP and Minister of Economy and Public Works, has been appointed Minister of Finance. Ghassan Salameh, a professor of Political Science at Sorbonne University and former Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (2017-2020), takes on the role of Minister of Culture. Rima Karami, a university professor specializing in educational administration and policy, is Lebanon's new Minister of Education. Adel Nassar, a lawyer with a Master's degree in law from Harvard University, has been appointed Minister of Justice. Rakan Nassereddine, a surgeon at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, is the new Minister of Health. Joe Saddi, formerly a Senior Executive Advisor at Booz & Company, is the new Minister of Energy. Amer Al-Bassat, Managing Director of Emerging Markets at BlackRock, has been named Minister of Economy. Charles Hajj, a telecommunications engineer and former President of the Maronite Foundation for Emigration, is Lebanon's new Minister of Communications. Joe Issa Khoury, who holds a Civil Engineering degree from AUB and an MBA from INSEAD, is the new Minister of Industry. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works, is the Chairman of the Board of Rasamny Younis Motor Company (RYMCO) and studied business administration at Richmond, The American International University in London. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, President of the Al Bustan Festival, is the new Minister of Tourism. Kamal Shehadeh, who has extensive experience in telecommunications and serves as an advisor for technology startups, takes on the roles of Minister of Displaced Affairs and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Nora Bayrakdarian, a professor and Chair of International Relations at the Lebanese University Law School, is Lebanon's new Minister of Sports. Mohammad Haidar, Director of Nuclear Medicine at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, has been appointed Minister of Labor. Nizar Al-Hani, President of the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve with a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, is the new Minister of Agriculture. Fadi Maki, a partner and managing director at BCG Consulting and former Director General of the Ministry of Economy, has been named Minister of Administrative Development. Tamara Zain, the first woman to hold the position of Secretary General of the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon, has been appointed Minister of Environment. Hanin Al-Sayed, an expert in human development and social protection who previously worked at the World Bank, is the new Minister of Social Affairs. Lastly, Paul Morcos, a lawyer and legal expert, has been appointed Minister of Information.
