“It is a false promise that the European Union can solve Lebanon’s problems! Besides, the people of Lebanon do not need a lecture from Europe. To gfacilitate cooperation, the Lebanese political elite must take also political responsibility. For taking responsibility the first step is to elect a president!”– stated MEP György Hölvényi during the plenary debate of the European Parliament on Lebanon.
As Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to the parliamentary elections in Lebanon in 2022, György Hölvényi has been closely following the political developments in in the country up to day. Based on his experience on the ground, he declared in his speech that “It is a false promise that the European Union can solve Lebanon’s problems! The Lebanese elite elected last year must take responsibility and fulfil its role. For taking responsibility the first step is to elect a president. Anyone blocking this process is standing in the way of long-needed, if not vital reforms – besides of acting in complete breach of the Lebanese constitution. It is cooperation, not lecturing what is required from the EU to address this crisis.
Lebanon, a country of six million, is hosting one and a half million Syrian refugees. The EU cannot prolong any longer the addressing of this issue” – noted the Christian Democrat politician pointing to the other enormous challenge the country is facing. He added: “Today, neither the political nor the humanitarian situation in Syria is suitable for the return of refugees. However, Turkey and Lebanon will act sooner rather than later to address this matter. Therefore, the EU must play its part in helping Syrian refugees to return home. We Europeans should better be sitting at the table and not be part of the menu when it comes to migration! We must set the agenda and not let others to set the agenda to us!” – the politician concluded.
13th June 2023 Strasbourg
