Mikati dismisses ‘European bribe’ claims as groundless

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon on Saturday dismissed allegations that a recent one-billion-euro aid package from Europe was a bribe to retain Syrian refugees in Lebanon as “baseless.” Mikati described these claims as harmful attempts to undermine potential government solutions using unfounded accusations.

His comments were made in response to a statement from Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil, who criticized Mikati and the European Union, suggesting that the aid was an attempt by the EU to alter the demographic makeup of Lebanon by replacing Lebanese citizens with displaced Syrians.

Earlier, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the substantial aid package during her visit to Lebanon, which has been experiencing significant crises. She emphasized the need for Lebanon to manage illegal migration effectively. Of the total aid, 736 million euros are earmarked for supporting Syrian refugees and other vulnerable groups within Lebanon, with an additional 200 million euros intended to enhance the Lebanese security services’ capabilities in border and migration management. These details were confirmed by figures from the Cypriot government.