Lebanon Approves $246 Million World Bank Emergency Plan

Lebanon Approves $246 Million World Bank Emergency Plan

Interior minister sounds alarm on 'diminishing security situation' The Lebanese parliament on Friday approved a $246 million World Bank emergency assistance plan to support struggling families and strengthen the social safety net amid the country's worst economic and health crisis in decades. Under the relief plan, 161, 251 families classified as the poorest in Lebanon will receive 800, 000 Lebanese pounds ($80) per month per family for one year. The aid program will be implemented under the supervision of the World Bank. The emergency package is expected to reduce mounting resentment against the country's political leadership, which is widely blamed for the economic collapse and parliamentary stalemate. Mohammed Fahmy, the caretaker interior minister, warned of "a diminishing security situation," adding that "security is a product of politics, and all the country's systems have diminished." He said: "We are part of the people and we are hungry. The political forces must resolve the obstacles to form a rescue government as soon as possible. "We can no longer take it. The situation is very bad, the country is exposed, and I am sounding the alarm." French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned on Thursday that "time is running out to prevent the