MP Salim Sayegh said that the Lebanese people "will not commit suicide" with Hezbollah, as he stressed the urgency of safeguarding the state, supporting the President of the Republic, preserving the Lebanese Army, and refusing to allow Lebanon to be dismantled in service of any foreign agenda.

Speaking in an interview with Voice of Lebanon, Sayegh described the recent sessions of parliamentary oversight into the government's policy as a “liberation process” for the legislature that is unfolding gradually. Commenting on the long-running investigation into Lebanon’s telecom sector, he said the outcome was disappointing and underwhelming.

“The issue isn’t just about a $10 million building rented despite being unfit for use. This contract was later annulled by former Minister Boutros Harb, who gave a solid defense. The problem is that the issue has been downsized and trivialized, when in fact we are talking about nearly $17 billion in squandered funds in the telecom sector.”

Sayegh criticized the parliamentary session for what he called its political maneuvering rather than constitutional oversight.

“We refused the way the issue was debated. It was an exercise in cunnigness, not governance. Instead of acting as legislators upholding constitutional principles, we were treated to a political stunt aimed at scoring points,” he said.

He accused some parties of using the lifting of immunity from Former Minister George Bouchikian not to safeguard public funds, but to punish him for refusing to leave Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s cabinet following Hezbollah’s call to boycott its meetings.

“Let no one think this was about public finance. It was about disciplining someone who did not fall in line with the resistance axis.”

“Anyone thinking they can outsmart others politically will find the tables turned. Principles will prevail; they will be institutionalized, applied to all, and take down those who abuse them.”

He said the idea of a parliamentary investigation committee into the telecom file dates back nearly three years, based on a report by the Court of Audit. The committee included MPs from across the political spectrum but was shelved due to the political climate.

“Now the file is back in the spotlight because of the Bouchikian case,” he said.

Sayegh also expressed frustration with the disorderly nature of parliamentary sessions.

“There is shouting, chaos, and confusion. We should be having calm, objective, and healthy debate. Now that the judiciary has resumed its functions and is summoning MPs to testify, Parliament must liberate itself and recognize that investigative committees were only necessary when the judiciary was paralyzed. Today, the judiciary is back, and we must refer ministers and MPs to it.”

He warned the issue might fall into the usual cycle of “delay, procrastination, and oblivion,” producing no tangible results.

Despite his criticisms, Sayegh acknowledged Parliament had made critical decisions: electing Speaker Nabih Berri by a one-vote margin, electing Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab by two votes, electing Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic, and granting confidence to the government of Nawaf Salam. It also signed a petition to eliminate six expatriate parliamentary seats. 

“Nonetheless, our democracy is still missing key components. We are governed by the law of the jungle. Those who speak of integrity are the same ones ruling through intimidation, force, and the street," he lamented.

On the controversial banking restructuring law, Sayegh insisted it cannot be implemented before fully understanding the size of the financial gap, identifying those responsible, and addressing all related issues.

“We are still studying the file and will share our view on the financial laws soon. While the parliamentary committees have done some work, what’s missing is a comprehensive economic reform strategy. Everyone shares responsibility, including depositors, knowingly or not. The state’s duty is to inform citizens. Responsibility must be fairly distributed.”

Sayegh emphasized that the current economic crisis must not be used for political gains.

“We’re talking about people’s life savings. If Lebanon’s banking sector isn’t revived, Syria’s can’t be either. Anyone praising Syria’s recovery must understand that Lebanon’s revival is the prerequisite, not the other way around. To the international community, we say: isolating Lebanon harms both Lebanon and Syria.”

On the electoral law, Sayegh said the current legislation institutionalized sectarian duality—Christian-Christian and Shiite-Shiite—and no longer serves those who designed it.

“No matter the results, as long as the sectarian cartel remains unbroken, political reform will be elusive,” he said, calling for amendments to increase expatriate participation and to approve the establishment of mega voting centers.

Sayegh denounced Hezbollah’s justification for blocking the diaspora vote, saying it lacked credibility.

“We say to them: Take your hands off the Shiite diaspora. Let them live freely. You’ve turned them into suspects, when in reality they are creative, successful, and just like all other Lebanese abroad.”

Responding to Hezbollah’s claim that the diaspora vote threatens the Christian-Muslim balance in Beirut, Sayegh argued that “the issue is more sectarian than religious. The Sunni-Shiite dynamic in Beirut is critical. Everyone benefits from maintaining balance. No one should feel entitled to impose a favor on Christians. Their strength comes from their role and their national presence, not their numbers.”

He warned against manipulating delicate internal balances and reminded that “the diaspora has been Speaker Nabih Berri’s invisible ally and domestic pillar of support.

"Don’t forget that Trump visited a heavily Shiite area in the U.S. and got overwhelming support. So what’s there to fear?”

Sayegh warned that Hezbollah’s shift from apparent cooperation to renewed defiance after the ceasefire places Lebanon’s statehood in peril.

“Either the state takes a decisive step forward, whether Hezbollah approves or not, or it must declare failure in monopolizing arms. That would lead to Chapter VII and direct international trusteeship.”

Regarding the stalled dialogue with Hezbollah, Sayegh said that “President Joseph Aoun launched the dialogue and must be the one to announce its failure, if it has failed."

"He is the head of state, commander-in-chief, and the top Christian in power. The responsibility lies with him to speak the truth and be transparent with the people, especially on the eve of Army Day. His priority must be Lebanon’s interests, not Hezbollah’s image.”

On the disarmament issue, Sayegh said the Supreme Defense Council, chaired by the President and composed of seven ministers, is tasked with drawing up a disarmament plan and timeline.

“It’s a military-technical process akin to a national defense strategy. The cabinet doesn’t need to make a new decision; just approve the plan after it’s submitted.”

He called for a full economic, social, educational, and housing strategy to help Lebanon transition from armed conflict to civil politics.

“We don’t want to solve the weapons issue and create endless new problems. No one should be a burden on the state. All Lebanese factions must be integrated, and everyone’s dignity preserved.”

Sayegh addressed a firm message to Hezbollah: “We will not go down with you. We will protect the state, support the President, preserve the Army, and not allow Lebanon to be dismantled to serve a foreign agenda."

"To the international community, we say: Lebanon must not be treated as a state under Hezbollah’s control. We resisted political domination and moved to the other side. Don’t abandon us midway. Help us reclaim our full sovereignty and independence.”

Sayegh criticized the growing lawlessness in the Maameltein area, describing it as a “black spot” plagued by social decay.

“Following the recent crime there, I met with the Interior Minister, who pledged to restore order and state authority. We reject self-security. We stand behind the security forces and the Army.”

He said Kataeb Party branches in Keserwan were instructed to monitor social and security developments and support all state institutions.

“The state is our only option. Jounieh and Maameltein deserve focused attention to restore their appeal for tourism and investment.”

Sayegh announced he would inspect government departments in Jounieh’s Serail next week as part of his legal mandate to oversee public institutions.

“We will follow up with ministers after this inspection. We’ve also received a flood of complaints about water management in Keserwan and Jbeil, and this issue will not be left unaddressed.”