Sayyed Nasrallah: No For Taxes on the Poor, Presidential Term Not To Be Toppled

Zeinab Essa

Beirut – Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah confirmed that he does not support the government's resignation.

On the 40-day mourning commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein [PBUH], Sayyed Nasrallah stated that “the people of Baalbek proved along these centuries that they did not abandon Hussein [PBUH].”

“The million march in holy Karbala introduces Hussein [PBUH] to all the world,” he said, pointing out that “the US, Zionists, and tyrants are worried when they watch the millions march toward Imam Hussein [PBUH].”

He further highlighted that “the days of Imam Hussein [PBUH] are all days of responsibility with sincerity and courage.”

Regarding the critical situation that Lebanon is facing, His Eminence said: “Everyone in Lebanon who is in power and out of it must shoulder the responsibility for the grave situation facing the country.”

Sayyed Nasrallah lamented the fact that “some Lebanese political leaders and forces in Lebanon are standing on the hill [relinquishing their responsibilities] and throwing the blame on others.”

In this context, Hezbollah Secretary General recalled that “in the crisis of fires, everyone condemned the state, but who is responsible? Everyone blames the other and the result is nothing.”

“Let us be honest. The financial and economic situation is not the result of the current hour, not the current government or presidency. I’s not something new. It has been accumulating for the last ten or twenty years,” he added.

Sayyed Nasrallah went on to say: “It is shameful for anyone to abandon responsibility for what is happening, especially all those who have participated in the previous governments for 30 years.”

“Let everyone take responsibility and accept their share of the situation,” he confirmed, pointing out that “everyone must take responsibility and not be preoccupied with settling personal accounts as this will lead to an unknown security and political repercussions.”

His Eminence warned that “the public protests threaten with explosion. When you increase taxes on the poor, you threaten the country with explosion. Solving the financial situation with taxes and fees leads to a popular explosion.”

However, Sayyed Nasrallah assured that “we can prevent the financial and economic collapse without going to a popular explosion and this needs the will, determination, sacrifice and sincerity.”

He stated: “So far no decision has been made in the government regarding taxes,” noting that “There are a number of options ahead to counter the crisis without imposing taxes. Saying the country has economically collapsed is totally not true.”

In parallel, His Eminence confirmed that “Hezbollah did not plan for any demonstrations.”

Clearly enough, Sayyed Nasrallah announced that “Hezbollah doesn’t support the resignation of the current government. There is a very deep trust crisis between the people and the state.”

“When the government takes measures that restore people's trust, the Lebanese people will accept. If the government resigns, this means that Lebanon will have no government and the formation of it may take two years,” he added.

His Eminence, meanwhile, cautioned that “the political forces will remain the same after the resignation of the government and the change of some names does not change anything. Introducing early parliamentary elections and a new government or technocratic government is a waste of time.”

To the demonstrators, Sayyed Nasrallah said: “Your message reached all officials. The importance of your popular movement is that it was spontaneous and sincere. Your popular movement crosses the sects.”

“No one is behind the popular demonstrations, neither parties nor embassies,” Sayyed Nasrallah said addressing the demonstrators by saying: “If on the first day, Hezbollah went to the street movement, it would have been elsewhere. If you want to continue, you must separate your movement from the political parties that want to ride your wave. What you have achieved over the past two days is very important.”

In addition, Sayyed Nasrallah urged the demonstrators not to attack the security forces. “When there is a need to face taxes, we will go down to the streets. Hezbollah ministers are informed to totally reject taxes on the poor.”

“Shall Hezbollah respond to demands urging us to participate in the demonstrations, it won't back down until our demands are met even if we had to stay for months in the streets,” he added, noting that “people should understand that our movement’s decision to protest isn’t simple.”

His Eminence highlighted that “those who escape responsibility must be tried, especially those who have brought the country into this difficult situation.”

To those betting on toppling the presidential term, he emphasized: “You are wasting your time and you’re not able to succeed. We in Hezbollah will not abandon our country and people. We will not allow the country to be dumped or destroyed.”

On another level, Sayyed Nasrallah renewed “our commitment to all the right causes in Palestine, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria.”