November 12, 2026
Representative Gebran Bassil, during statements he made in the House of Representatives, criticized the government’s proposal for additional loans worth $500 million in the absence of a clear plan that defines spending priorities, considering that this step constitutes a clear violation of the government’s commitment in its ministerial statement to stop the debt policy.
Regarding the electricity sector file, Bassil explained that he agreed to finance the sector with an amount of $100 million with the aim of avoiding the risk of total blackout, despite his objection to the sector’s management mechanism and the absence of a sustainable strategy to secure nutrition after the current funding ran out. He pointed out that his objection is mainly focused on the criteria for selecting the funded projects, pointing out that he voted in favor of the “Garqasha-Bsharri” bypass project to consider its high cost justified, and at the same time wondering about the reasons for excluding other projects that he sees as less expensive and more urgent.
Regarding financing electricity, Bassil considered that the amount of $100 million represents a form of support for the sector, expressing his objection to its classification as an allocation for paying arrears, and demanding clarification of the mechanisms for its distribution. He explained that the value of the arrears mentioned by the Ministry amounts to $248 million, including $127 million owed by water institutions alone.
On a related level, Bassil called on the Ministry of Energy to operate factories that rely on less expensive fuel and increase electrical supply hours, which would contribute to improving collection rates and alleviating the financial burdens on citizens as a result of relying on private generators. He also called on the Ministry to provide an official clarification about the entity authorized to determine electricity tariffs, and to present an integrated plan to secure supply around the clock.
Regarding the Bisri Dam file, Bassil criticized the decision to stop the project and re-introduce the idea of canceling funding for the work related to it, which includes building a hydroelectric plant and expanding a water station. He stated that the state has spent $387 million to date on the project, including $160 million allocated for expropriation work, noting that the project was primarily designed to secure water for large areas including Jezzine, Sidon, the Chouf, Aley, Baabda, and parts of the capital, Beirut, and its environs.
