Miqati to his Critics: Government is Making a Lot of Achievements

Prime Minister Najib Miqati snapped back at his critics on Monday, saying the government has made several achievements unlike what his opponents are publicizing.

In remarks to As Safir daily, Miqati said: “The violent campaign against it (the government) and with all means, gives the impression that the cabinet is not working.”

“But a bit of verification shows that it has carried out and is still making a lot of achievements,” he said.

The premier added however that those who have an alternative should propose it. “I am ready to clear the scene for them but everyone knows that in these circumstances there is nothing better than this government.”

The lack of an alternative does not absolve it from being more productive,” Miqati told As Safir.

He gave the example of more coordination among different ministries as an attempt to improve the government’s work.

Asked about a petroleum authority, Miqati said he is ready to put it on the agenda of the cabinet as soon as he receives the proposal from the “involved minister,” a clear reference to Energy Minister Jebran Bassil.

The authority is an administrative body that would oversee the petroleum sector. While the government has given the green light to its creation, it has yet to approve its members.

According to As Safir, 618 people have announced their candidacies for the body and Bassil is working on choosing the best of them and refer the issue to the government for approval.