Kataeb Political Bureau member and former minister, Alain Hakim, said Lebanon is entering a pivotal new phase marked by the restoration of state authority, with the presidency playing a central role. In an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio, Hakim laid out a comprehensive roadmap involving security, military, and economic measures aimed at pulling the country out of its deepening crisis.

“At the heart of this new stage is the restoration of state prestige, led by the President of the Republic,” Hakim said. “We are embarking on a broad national effort that includes a series of key developments—from recent visits to France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, to the Arab League summit in Egypt. Lebanon’s internal situation is once again drawing regional attention, particularly from Saudi Arabia.”

Hakim said Lebanon is moving in a coordinated manner toward economic reform, signaling the end of a period dominated by chaos and disorder.

“We are transitioning, step by step, through deliberate and sequenced actions toward tangible results on the ground,” he said. “These efforts, under the President’s leadership, are beginning to bear fruit. But while encouraging, they remain insufficient at the regional level.”

Hakim pointed to a number of recent developments as “exceptional and critical,” including the appointment of a new central bank governor, leadership changes in the military, and initial reforms targeting banking secrecy laws.

“These are not symbolic gestures. They represent the early foundations of a genuine rebuilding process across all sectors in Lebanon,” he said. “I’m optimistic that this moment marks the true beginning of Lebanon’s recovery.”

He commended several ministries for taking their responsibilities seriously, singling out the Ministry of Justice for its efforts to strengthen judicial independence and address crucial legal issues.

“The Ministry of Defense is also fulfilling its role, and the Ministry of Interior has shown seriousness—especially in its recent removal of partisan slogans in Beirut. That act, though symbolic, is significant in the broader effort to reassert state sovereignty,” he said.

Hakim warned that Lebanon’s unresolved financial gap remains a critical hurdle, stressing that accountability and reform cannot move forward without addressing it.

“What’s most urgent now is launching a serious dialogue with creditors. But that dialogue cannot happen without first implementing key reforms,” he said. “It requires efficient, sustained work across all institutions. The Lebanese people will not accept anything less than the reestablishment of a real and functioning state.”

On the state budget, Hakim described the current numbers as little more than “figures on paper,” and said the new government should not be held responsible for the version it inherited. Still, he called for a revised budget to accommodate new spending priorities.

Addressing Lebanon’s taxation system, he described it as a heavy burden on already struggling citizens.

“We need a comprehensive budget with minimal amendments—but one that’s fundamentally different from previous versions. Its goals must be to introduce a clear tax policy rooted in accountability, fairness, and social justice,” he said. “Most importantly, it should support sustainable development. The budget must become the backbone of a far-reaching national project.”

Turning to monetary policy, Hakim said Lebanon can no longer rely solely on the central bank.

“We must move toward an integrated approach that combines monetary, fiscal, and economic policy,” he explained. “The central bank governor has a pivotal role to play, with priorities that should include sound financial management, improved governance, and full transparency to help rescue the banking sector and normalize financial activity.”

He echoed calls by both the finance minister and the central bank governor to shift away from a cash economy toward a formal, transparent financial system that complies with international standards.

On the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Hakim said the time has come for a serious national dialogue.

“This conversation between the Presidency and Hezbollah on disarmament is long overdue, and it’s being closely followed both regionally and internationally,” he said. “All weapons—no matter who holds them—must be brought under the authority of the Lebanese Army. Their use is internationally rejected.”

He praised the army’s leadership, saying it had made notable progress on reforms over the past five months.

Hakim argued that Hezbollah no longer wields the influence it once had.

“Recent events show the group is no longer a decisive force in Lebanon or the region. What we’re seeing now are morale-boosting efforts targeting its base,” he said. “Hezbollah is internally divided—so much so that it’s criticizing its own role in endorsing the ceasefire and implementation of UN Resolution 1701 through the government and Speaker Nabih Berri.”

Reaffirming the Kataeb Party’s longstanding position, Hakim urged Hezbollah to reintegrate into the Lebanese state. He also marked the 50th anniversary of the Lebanese resistance, calling it a time for national reflection.

“The Kataeb Party fought against foreign occupiers—not fellow Lebanese,” he said. “What matters now is positive engagement with all Lebanese. That’s why we are calling for truth-telling and reconciliation—and most parties today are expressing support for that approach. I believe the President is fully aligned with this vision.”