French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro renewed Paris’s commitment to Lebanon, while urging its leaders to act swiftly and decisively on long-delayed reforms. He warned that without bold choices, Lebanon could miss a rare chance to stabilize and rebuild, and risk further marginalization in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.

In a joint interview with Annahar and L’Orient-Le Jour on the eve of France's Bastille Day, Magro said his country remains firmly by the side of the Lebanese people, but emphasized that it is now up to the country’s political class to shoulder its responsibilities.

“France will not abandon the Lebanese,” Magro said, “but we are clearly calling for the Lebanese themselves to take ownership of key decisions that affect the future of their country.”

Magro hailed the recent election of a new president and the formation of a government as a “turning point” that should be used to relaunch state institutions. He urged Lebanese leaders not to waste what he described as a historic opening.

“There is a real opportunity to begin rebuilding the state,” he said. “Lebanon must seize it.”

The ambassador welcomed the U.S. roadmap for Lebanon, recently presented by American envoy Tom Barrack, calling it “an important element for stability in Lebanon, and by extension, the region.” He said the proposal complements French diplomatic efforts and revealed that the U.S. and France have been closely coordinating. Barrack, he noted, held consultations with French officials before heading to Beirut.

“The documents we have submitted were always developed in coordination with the Americans. There is no change in the balance of efforts,” Magro said. “We cannot find a solution alone; no one can.”

Magro said Barrack “presented logical ideas,” but noted that implementation rests entirely with Lebanese authorities.

Magro stressed that any resolution must be homegrown, not imposed.

“The decisions must come from Lebanon,” he said. “We cannot wait another three, four, or five years. If peace efforts stall, Lebanon will face harsh realities.”

“The dynamics have shifted,” he added, referencing the precarious security situation just months ago. “We must now wait and see what the response will be, but it is clear that Lebanon and Syria’s security are closely intertwined.”

Discussions with U.S. officials covered mechanisms for a ceasefire, UNIFIL’s role, Hezbollah’s disarmament, and the country’s economic collapse. Magro said the talks were “very constructive,” but reiterated: “What matters now is that Lebanon acts.”

On the international support conference planned for the fall in Paris, Magro cautioned that there is no confirmed date yet, and that “there will be no aid without reforms.” He cited the failure of the 2018 CEDRE conference as a hard lesson. “CEDRE pledged $11 billion, but not a single dollar arrived because reforms were never implemented,” he said.

Magro emphasized that a deal with the International Monetary Fund is critical, not just as a precondition for aid, but as a signal to international markets that Lebanon is serious about recovery.

“France does not seek to impose a foreign program on Lebanon,” he said. “What we want is a Lebanese-led program, supported by the IMF, especially one that protects the rights of small depositors.”

Expressing dismay at the lack of progress on key legislation, especially judicial and financial reforms, Magro said: “I don’t understand why justice sector reform isn’t advancing, when it’s essential for restoring Lebanese confidence, let alone donor trust.”

He warned that donors may shift their attention to Syria if Lebanon continues to stall.

“We are already seeing pledges made for Syria,” he said, noting that Lebanon could benefit by participating in regional stabilization efforts and tackling the Syrian refugee crisis. “Lebanon must not miss the Syria train.”

On UNIFIL, Magro reaffirmed France’s strong commitment to the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, calling its presence “more necessary than ever.” He revealed that for the first time, UNIFIL personnel will participate in France’s Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées, symbolizing the mission’s importance.

The ambassador stressed that France fully supports renewing UNIFIL’s mandate and is working in close coordination with the U.S. to that end.

“The opportunity is there. Recent developments, particularly the presidential election and the new government’s momentum, can serve as the foundation for rebuilding,” he said.

Magro concluded with a pointed message: “We believe in Lebanon’s ability to rise again, and we’ll remain at its side. But the Lebanese must decide their own future. This is no longer the time for denial or delay. The choice is simple: reform or collapse.”

“We are in a new era, and everyone in Lebanon must understand that. The pressure is real,” he said. “If you don’t make the decisions yourselves, reality will catch up with you, and it won’t be kind.”

Magro underlined that the decisions around state sovereignty, arms control, and disarmament lie with the Lebanese cabinet and president.

“This is the essence of the issue,” he said, “and it’s a decision that cannot be postponed.”

“Lebanon has an opportunity. But if we wait until the 2026 parliamentary elections, no one knows what kind of parliament will emerge.”