On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized "failing" Lebanese politicians for their country's economic turmoil.
Macron opened a donors' conference, marking the anniversary of the massive 4th August 2020 chemical explosion in Beirut that killed 200 people and caused serious damage.
The blast ripped through the capital's port and plunged Lebanon further into economic crisis. Its politicians have yet to form a government capable of rebuilding the country, despite French and international pressure.
"Lebanese leaders seem to bet on a stalling strategy, which I regret and I think is a historic and moral failure," Macron said in opening remarks as host of an international donors' conference that aims to raise at least $350 million.
"There will be no blank cheque for the Lebanese political system. Because it is they who, since the start of the crisis but also before that, are failing," Macron added.
Indeed, France has led international efforts to lift its former colony out of crisis. In this manner, the French President has visited Beirut twice since the blast, as he raised emergency aid and imposed travel bans on some senior Lebanese officials in his quest for a reform package.
He has also persuaded the European Union to agree on a sanctions framework that is ready to be used. Nonetheless, his initiatives have been in vain so far.
Moreover, U.S. President Joe Biden will participate in the conference that is co-hosted by the United Nations, along with about 40 other world leaders.
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