Gebran Bassil criticizes Lebanon's Ministry of Energy over electricity crisis

Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, has issued a sharp critique of the Lebanese government and the Ministry of Energy regarding the country’s worsening electricity crisis. Bassil stated that despite promises to provide 24/7 electricity within six months, the nation has instead faced “total darkness” after 20 months. He noted that while electricity tariffs increased threefold, service delivery has not improved.

Bassil accused the Ministry of mismanaging approximately $760 million in funds previously held by Électricité du Liban and oil facilities, leaving those accounts empty while blackouts persist. He further estimated that the decline in state-provided electricity has forced citizens to spend an additional $3 billion annually on private generators.

In addition to energy production, Bassil criticized the regulatory body’s formation and effectiveness, raised concerns regarding the lack of progress on water and dam projects, and alleged irregularities in the forensic audit of fuel and shipping files. He indicated that the Free Patriotic Movement has filed a legal complaint to follow these matters through the judiciary.