This is Beirut - International Monetary Fund

After the Vote: Exposing the Gap Law’s Broken Promises

Claudia Groeling, 2025-12-29 19:30 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

Nawaf Salam International Monetary Fund Lebanon Banque du Liban Gap Law Banks

Lebanon’s cabinet on December 19 approved one of the most controversial pieces of legislation since the country’s financial collapse in 2019, adopting the so-called “Gap Law” in a narrow vote that has reignited public anger and raised serious concerns among economists, legal experts, and international observers. Backed by 13 ministers ...

IMF Reservations Fuel Dispute Over Financial Gap Law

This is Beirut, 2025-12-23 13:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

International Monetary Fund Lebanon Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Hezbollah

Nidaa al-Watan reported Tuesday that controversy persists over the leaked draft Financial Gap Law, amid claims that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is dissatisfied and has raised reservations. While the draft is expected to be circulated to ministers ahead of a possible Cabinet vote, political and diplomatic circles cited by the newspaper ...

Lebanon’s Cabinet Divided Over Controversial Financial Gap Law

This is Beirut, 2025-12-22 20:25 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Nawaf Salam International Monetary Fund Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Gap Law

The controversial financial Gap Law presented as key to resolving Lebanon’s enduring banking crisis that deprived depositors of their savings, topped discussions at Monday’s cabinet meeting, exposing differences among ministers. The session, attended by Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid, was adjourned and will resume Tuesday to ...

The IMF Sets an Example Through Lebanese Depositors: Unpacking One the Most Dangerous Laws in the Country’s History

This is Beirut, 2025-12-21 15:40 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Lebanon Banque du Liban International Monetary Fund economy banking system banks

What the government presented as the ‘Financial Gap Law’ is not merely a piece of financial legislation; it is a text that lays the foundations for the post-adoption economic order. It does not conceal its objective but states it calmly: ending a crisis that has lasted for years instead of resolving it, writing off deposits instead of ...

Scathing Message by “Shiite Depositor” Targets Yassine Jaber

This is Beirut, 2025-12-18 14:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon International Monetary Fund USA Yassine Jaber Nabih Berri

The page “Lebanon Pulse” published on its X account a message purportedly from a “Shiite depositor”, addressed to Finance Minister Yassine Jaber. In the message, the author accuses the minister of having, in the past, incited members of the Shiite community in front of the US ambassador and called for their bombardment and removal of ...

BDL: IMF Concerns on Financial Gap Law Are Risky and Inconsistent

This is Beirut, 2025-12-18 14:15 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Central Bank of Lebanon International Monetary Fund Lebanon Banks Banque du Liban

The Central Bank of Lebanon (BDL) issued observations regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s recent comments on the financial gap bill. BDL described the IMF’s remarks as risky and inconsistent with accounting and financial standards, noting that there is no historical precedent in a systemic crisis where a state first erodes the ...

“Gap Law” for Beginners

Mario Chartouni, 2025-12-18 12:59 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Banks International Monetary Fund Lebanon Banque du Liban Hezbollah

For several months now, the so-called “Gap Law” (law on financial gap) has been presented as the key to resolving Lebanon’s banking crisis. Its proponents argue that it would help restore order to the financial system and pave the way for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But behind this technical ...

Urgent Appeal to Stop the Financial Conspiracy Threatening Depositors and Banks

This is Beirut, 2025-12-18 12:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Banks International Monetary Fund

Lebanon Pulse published a sharply critical message from a depositor addressed to Nawaf Salam, Yassin Jaber, and Amer Bsat, accusing them of playing a central role in what the text describes as a conspiracy that began before 2019 and has culminated today with severe consequences for depositors and the banking sector. In the message, the author ...

Could the IMF’s debt plan for Lebanon unintentionally bolster Hezbollah?

Ian Talley, 2025-12-09 17:50 - Reading : 10 minute(s)

Lebanon International Monetary Fund Hezbollah Amal Banque du Liban

The International Monetary Fund risks unintentionally reviving a war-weakened Hezbollah by insisting Lebanon push heavier losses onto the banking sector than critics say is necessary — a move they argue would entrench the cash economy that Iran’s terror-designated proxy thrives on. At issue is how the IMF wants Lebanon’s ...

Hakim Calls for Urgent Reforms to Restore Trust and Protect Depositors

This is Beirut, 2025-11-11 10:40 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Lebanon Banks International Monetary Fund Alain Hakim

Lebanon’s financial and economic situation is going through an unprecedented crisis “that requires decisive measures to restore confidence and protect depositors’ funds, while clarifying the responsibilities of the State.” These are the words of Alain Hakim, former Minister of Economy, summarizing the depth of the country’s economic ...

The IMF and Lebanon: Debts? Which Debts?

Marc Saikali, 2025-11-06 08:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon International Monetary Fund Banks

When it comes to the IMF, one thing stands out above all: a consistent pattern of bad advice. Governments change, wars erupt, and yet this venerable institution remains glued to its Excel spreadsheets, always heeded by Lebanese ministers, especially the finance minister. The International Monetary Fund, the self-proclaimed savior of struggling ...

Kanaan Rejects New Taxes and Calls for Fair Public Sector Reform

This is Beirut, 2025-10-30 16:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Banks International Monetary Fund Washington Ibrahim Kanaan

Head of Parliament’s Finance and Budget Committee, MP Ibrahim Kanaan, reiterated on Thursday that the committee “rejects any increase or creation of new taxes and fees” aimed solely at closing the state’s budget deficit. “Every time the state needs funding, it imposes new burdens on citizens. This approach must stop,” Kanaan declared ...

International Monetary Fund