Hashem Reopens the Electricity File: "Guardianship" Prevents a Solution

MP Qassem Hashem, a member of the "Development and Liberation" bloc, blamed the persistence of Lebanon's electricity crisis on what he described as "wrangling" and a "guardianship authority" controlling the file, saying the crisis "cannot end completely" as long as political disputes remain part of the sector's management. He called on the government to take charge and make appropriate decisions instead of leaving the file hostage to divisions and interests, demanded the file be opened "to the maximum extent" and all concerned parties held accountable, and accused "exploitative groups" of profiting at the expense of citizens and the state. He also said Parliament's oversight role should drive corrective measures and accelerate reforms so that citizens do not remain "victims of divisions, disputes and interests," noting that debate in the relevant parliamentary committee refocused attention on the sector's flaws.