Al-Rahi Says Democratic State Should be Based on Advanced Social Contract
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on Sunday for the establishment of a civil and democratic state that takes as its starting point the National Pact which has laid the foundation of the country’s multi-confessional system.
Al-Rahi said in his sermon that Lebanon’s political and social system should be fair and respect all the Lebanese. All civil servants should put their personal and sectarian interests aside and serve their nation, he stressed.
Al-Rahi also urged all sects to divide amongst themselves the responsibilities in managing state affairs and serving the citizens.
“Officials should not search for privileges for themselves or their sects,” he said, adding “patriotism is based on the life of brotherhood and unity.”
“A fair and equitable political and social system forms the building block of a civil and democratic state … based on an advanced social contract that takes the National Pact as its foundation,” he said.
Such a state should separate division from politics, al-Rahi reiterated. “It should neither be a religious state nor a secular state that opposes religion.”
Turning to the country’s economic woes, the patriarch said: “Lebanon cannot continue to be ruled by politicians divided by secular thoughts.”
“The economic situation is regressing … and the public debt is increasing,” he warned.
“Rulers should assume all their national responsibilities and work immediately to come up with a clear and solid economic design based on development,” he added.
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