Mansouri: No Plans for a New Position, but Financial Situation Is Improving
Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Wassim Mansouri from Baabda Palace confirmed that the monetary situation is improving, and foreign currency reserves have increased since the election of the President, pointing out that the policy of the Central Bank of Lebanon is to maintain the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound and refrain from intervening in the market.
Mansouri said, Since August 1, the central bank has limited the sale of the Lebanese pound exclusively through the banking sector, and monetary stability is linked to controlling the money supply in coordination with the Lebanese government. We have received reports indicating that there is a significant external interest in engaging with Lebanon, and the economic situation will improve with the influx of dollars into the country.
In response to MTV's question about his readiness to take over the Ministry of Finance, Mansouri said: I am not preparing for any other role, but rather focusing on continuing my duties in my current position, and I strongly emphasize the importance of appointing a permanent Governor for the Central Bank of Lebanon. He added, I am hesitant to speak about depositors' funds as long as I don't have a definitive answer on how to return their money or through what mechanism, however, we have completed a study that will help the government create a clearer vision on this matter.
Finally, Mansouri said: There has been no political interference in the central bank's operations during my tenure; I believe there is a judicial dispute regarding the recent claim by Judge Ghada Aoun, which was immediately withdrawn, and I hope it will be resolved through judicial channels.
