Former Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon Mr. Issam Fares addressed the people of Akkar, saying:

‘I did not announce my candidacy for the parliamentary elections for two main reasons:

1- Because of the 2000 electoral law, which is particularly oppressing for the people of Akkar, now that Akkar has become a governorate under the law.

2- Because of the confessional and sectarian feuds that are a bad omen in light of the escalation that threatens the country, destabilizes its unity, and renders it vulnerable to worse conditions.

I had previously warned against hiding behind confessional and sectarian dissensions after the long path of love, cordiality, and modernism we had taken together.

It was important for me to preserve the fraternal and brotherly ties among the different currents, parties, and orientations in Akkar, extending my full support to friends and allies altogether in order to secure a vital and noble competition in a ‘clean’ democratic electoral battle.

However, I suffered the fact that some excited, enthusiastic young people have taken to the streets, launching aggressions against young people originating from the same village and supporting different electoral lists. These developments would not have taken place in the absence of confessional feuds and provocative slogans used to gain additional parliamentary seats.

Let us put behind us those elections and all the electoral tools and slogans that intruded our region, rhythm of life, and ethics. You have said your word, and everyone should bow to the will of people.

The electoral battle is over; however, your key battle which we had started together is still open: It is the promotion and development of Akkar. This requires that the newly elected deputies draw attention on the projects. As I had previously pledged, I will remain on your side, and at the forefront, to demand that Akkar’s needs for the last 15 years be met.

Even at the time when I assumed the post of the Deputy Premiership, I was unable to end Akkar’s deprivation and oppression. I did not spare any effort to include its projects in the three-year and five-year working programs. These used to appear just to silence our voices, before fading away and disappearing. Upon our objection, they used to be included in ‘an annex’ with pledges to implement them, but would end up on in a drawer.

This is what the people of Akkar and the newly elected deputies should be informed about in order to follow up the files stalled in the lobbies of the relevant administrations.


On the municipal level, which is the cornerstone in the promotion and development, it requires constant support for the revitalization of Akkar which had been deprived of the funds allocated for the municipalities. Those funds are allocated for few lucky municipalities and for alleged brokers like Sukleen and others.

Regarding the healthcare, Halba’s Hospital, the construction and equipment of which had cost millions of dollars, remains un-functioning, devoid of doctors and medical staff, which humiliates the people in the dispensaries and private hospitals.

This is a mere example of countless cases! I extend my hand to the newly elected deputies, expressing them my congratulations and wishing them success in fulfilling their pledges and continuing the developmental process with the loyal heads of municipalities and potential figures from the agricultural, financial, social, and professional arenas to help our beloved Akkar realize its long-aspired development, revitalization, and prosperity.