Kataeb MP Elias Hankach on Thursday urged the government to restore public and international trust by embracing genuine accountability and transparency, warning that failure to do so would amount to a dereliction of duty.

In an interview with LBCI, Hankach emphasized that cosmetic reforms are no longer enough, and that Lebanon must tackle its chronic governance issues with real political will.

“There’s hope today that we can lay the groundwork for greater transparency in how public affairs are managed,” he said. “But this must be followed by real accountability. Improving banking secrecy laws is important, but passing yet another hollow bill won’t cut it. The world is watching Lebanon closely, and we must rise to meet both the international community’s expectations and those of the Lebanese people.”

Hankach also weighed in on the contentious debate over the upcoming municipal elections in Beirut, warning of the potential for rising sectarian tensions as political negotiations intensify.

“This is a delicate and vital matter,” he said, cautioning against political disputes spiraling into sectarian confrontation. “We must avoid friction between MPs and public officials. This conversation has to happen among the Lebanese people, so we can collectively address each other’s concerns.”

The ongoing discussion over Beirut’s municipal structure has laid bare deeper divisions among Lebanon’s religious communities. At the center of the debate is a push to secure equal representation for Christians and Muslims on the city’s municipal council. One of the key points of contention is that the proposed sectarian parity would be tied to reducing the executive powers of the governor of Beirut. 

“There are plenty of ways to approach this issue,” Hankach stated, suggesting solutions such as redrawing Beirut’s neighborhood boundaries or exploring alternative mechanisms. “But it should not be managed through political escalation or confrontation.”

“I hope this issue doesn’t blow up during the session, because any polarization would only harm the presidency and the nation,” Hankach said, calling for national cohesion in addressing the country’s broader political crisis.

Hankach also pointed to Lebanon’s youth, many of whom have taken to the streets in protest over the past few years. Their calls, he said, go beyond frustration as they are demanding political equality and lasting reform.

“These young people are not just resisting stagnation; they’re defending the principle of parity because they understand Beirut’s diversity and the need for national consensus,” he said. “Their movement reflects a deeper desire to build a Lebanon that represents all its citizens.”