President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, pledging sweeping reforms centered around digitizing government services and strengthening judicial independence.

Speaking from Baabda Palace on Monday, Aoun stressed that tackling corruption must begin with concrete actions, including the rollout of an e-government framework to reduce bribery and clientelism, and the implementation of a fair and assertive judiciary.

“These are the two pillars I am focused on,” Aoun told a visiting delegation from the International Chamber of Lebanese Businessmen and Women, led by its president, Fouad Zmokhol.

Aoun confirmed that judicial appointments would be finalized soon and that efforts to reopen corruption cases would continue.

The president called on citizens to assume their share of responsibility in combating corruption and curbing public sector waste. He also urged close collaboration between Lebanon’s executive and legislative branches to fast-track crucial legislation.

“We do not have the luxury of time,” he warned.

President Aoun emphasized the need to rebuild trust between the Lebanese people and their state, and between Lebanon and the international community. Years of administrative decay and systemic corruption had damaged that trust, he said, but added that with clear intent, recovery was within reach.

“It’s our duty to give Lebanese who excel abroad the opportunity to thrive in their homeland,” Aoun said, stressing that trust could only be regained through a combination of ongoing and future reforms.

He described the United Arab Emirates’ recent decision to lift its travel ban as a “positive initiative,” and said it would be followed by further steps. He also cited the upcoming Arab Smart Government Conference in Beirut, set to begin Tuesday, as evidence of renewed regional interest in Lebanon.

“Obstacles are being removed one by one,” Aoun said, pointing to several recent steps his administration has taken: the passage of the banking secrecy reform law, key security and central bank appointments, Lebanon’s delegation visit to the International Monetary Fund, and preparations for local and municipal elections. He also mentioned the ongoing parliamentary discussions around a law to restructure the country’s banking sector.

He called for a national pivot toward promoting success stories and projects that open new economic and social avenues, instead of dwelling on negative narratives. Aoun criticized those who “choose to thrive on the state’s absence instead of working to build it,” urging Lebanese society to hold such individuals accountable for their irresponsibility.

Reiterating his anti-corruption agenda, Aoun said Lebanon’s real problem was not bankruptcy but theft.

“Lebanon is not bankrupt, it was robbed,” he declared.

He acknowledged that political favoritism and bribery had become ingrained in Lebanon’s culture, and that dismantling such practices would require time. But he insisted that even painful reforms would be worth the effort.

“The next reform phase will focus on Customs,” Aoun announced, marking another step in what he described as a comprehensive effort to restore institutional credibility and national stability.