Miqati slams electoral money, says KSA not interfering in polls

Prime Minister Najib Miqati has criticized "unprecedented dollar amounts" that have been pumped into Lebanon in the past few days, as Lebanon prepares for its parliamentary elections in May 15.

"There are violations," Miqati said in a televised interview, as he praised Minister of Interior Bassam al-Mawlawi for "doing a great job" to achieve the elections successfully.

Miqati also praised the Arab countries and the KSA ambassador to Lebanon.

He said that Ambassador Walid al-Boukhari is part of the Lebanese fabric and that his presence is essential in the Lebanese elections. "Yet, I haven't sensed any direct interference from Saudi Arabia in the elections," Miqati went on to say.

"If only the Lebanese loved their country as much as the Arabs do," Miqati said.

On another note, the PM accused those opposing the capital control law of doing so for the sake of increasing their chances in the upcoming parliamentary elections. "Have they read the law proposal before objecting," he went on to ask.

The capital control law, according to Miqati will protect the rights of the small depositors who constitute 86% of the depositors.

Miqati said he doesn't mind replacing the Central Bank governor after completing the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, asking the Minister of Finance to suggest candidates.