Lebanon’s Council of Ministers approved the Judicial Independence Bill on Friday, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s legal system.
The bill aims to ensure the impartiality of judges by protecting them from external pressures during the decision-making process. This measure is expected to restore public trust in the judiciary and enhance Lebanon's credibility both domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, “This legislation reinforces the impartiality required of judges by protecting them from pressure or temptation in the course of issuing rulings.”
He added that the bill would not only instill confidence in litigants, but also contribute to revitalizing economic activity by “restoring the trust necessary to attract investment.”
Salam emphasized that the bill will also help “reestablish the balance that has been lacking between the judiciary and the legislative and executive branches.”
The Cabinet also approved granting tax exemptions to individuals and businesses affected by the recent war.
The Council also affirmed the recommendation of the Supreme Defense Council to issue a warning to Hamas, stressing the need to “put a definitive end to any such activities” that threaten Lebanese sovereignty.
Minister of Information Paul Morcos further elaborated on the bill, saying, “The Minister of Justice explained the mechanism of the draft law on judicial independence in terms of financial independence and allocating a special budget for it within the Ministry of Justice.”
Morcos also emphasized that the bill provides financial autonomy to the judiciary, ensuring that it operates independently of external influences.
Comments