In a conference titled "Lebanese Municipalities Struggling for Survival " held at La Maison du futur in Bikfaya, Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel highlighted that the necessity to activate, and develop decentralization in Lebanon.

"Decentralization was the primary concern and one of the objectives we have been working on. It is essential to activate, and develop decentralization in Lebanon,” he emphasized.

He called for the separation of the Ministry of Interior from municipalities to devote time to follow up on decentralization issues.

Gemayel proposed amendments to municipal elections, calling for shortening the term of the municipal council to five years. 

He also suggested adopting a 30% female quota in nomination.

He also recalled the draft laws submitted by his party in a bid facilitate and activate the work of municipalities, such as the draft law to amend the Municipalities Law in February 2010 and in September 2015, as well as a draft law to cancel the huge debts that accumulated on many municipalities and are being withdrawn from their independent municipal fund.

"The decentralization draft law that we submitted, was prepared by Former Minister Ziad Baroud. 79 sessions were held and 200 hours were spent to discuss the law. 95% of the articles were approved, but unfortunately, no one is calling for a subcommittee," he pointed out, reiterating his call for ending the discussion of decentralization law.

"We need two and a half months to complete the work on the municipal law, and it will be transferred to the General Authority for approval,” he noted.