October 1, 2026
The Minister of Finance, Yassine Jaber, discussed with the French President’s envoy for economic affairs, Jacques Dolagogue, the path of financial and banking reforms and the horizon of cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, during an official working visit conducted by the French official to the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance.
From the French side, the meeting was attended by the head of the regional economic department, Jean-Baptiste Chauvel, and the economic and financial attaché, Kenza Ouazzani. On the Lebanese side, the Director General of Finance, George Maarawi, and the advisors, Samir Hammoud, Zeina Kassem, and Claudine Karaki.
The meeting discussed in-depth the developments in the financial and economic situation in Lebanon, and touched on the progress made in the path of reforms, especially the restructuring of the banking sector, addressing the financial gap, and the conditions of public debt and public finances, in addition to the path of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
Minister Jaber presented the plans of the government and the Ministry of Finance aimed at translating the reform program into practical steps, stressing the priority of addressing financial and banking issues with an integrated approach aimed at restoring order to public finances, protecting financial stability, and enhancing local and international confidence in the Lebanese economy.
The two parties also discussed the reform legislative package and the discussions surrounding it, especially legislation related to addressing the financial gap and structuring banks and the Bank of Lebanon, with the aim of establishing sound and sustainable rules to address the repercussions of the economic crisis.
Regarding the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, Jaber pointed out that there is a convergence of views regarding a number of fundamental files, while efforts continue to address the remaining issues in preparation for moving to the next stage of negotiations.
The discussions included an assessment of the reality of public finances, the available financial space, and the options presented to address the public debt and state obligations according to a balanced and sustainable approach, in conjunction with settling the situations of the banks and the Bank of Lebanon.
In conclusion, the Minister of Finance reiterated the importance of continued French support for Lebanon and Paris’s keeping pace with the government’s reform efforts, stressing that achieving tangible results and protecting the credibility of the reform path represent a top priority to support economic stability and create the necessary conditions to begin the recovery path.
