Paris – The Lebanese-French Coordination Committee (CCLF) held a panel discussion on Monday at the 15th District Town Hall in Paris, addressing the political and economic situation in Lebanon. The event gathered academics, experts, and members of the Lebanese community, including Dr. Ziad El Sayegh, Executive Director of the Civic Influence Hub (CIH) in Beirut, who delivered a keynote speech analyzing the depth of Lebanon’s crisis and exploring prospects for recovery.

At the outset of his remarks, Dr. El Sayegh expressed his appreciation to the CCLF for organizing the conference “at a pivotal moment for Lebanon,” and extended gratitude to France for its “consistent support and steadfast commitment to the Lebanese cause.” He emphasized that “the Lebanese-French friendship remains a cornerstone in defending the values of freedom, sovereignty, and democracy.”

El Sayegh asserted that Lebanon stands today “at a decisive crossroads” after decades of “chronic political paralysis, rampant corruption, and the dominance of illegal armed forces that have stripped the state of its sovereignty and legitimacy.” He stressed that “the resilience of the Lebanese people cannot substitute for the state itself, but should instead serve as a driving force to rebuild a nation grounded in sovereignty, legitimacy, and citizenship.”

He called for the adoption of a concept of “reformative sovereignty,” which links citizens’ rights with the proper functioning of the state. “Reform,” he said, “is not a diplomatic slogan but a sovereign act aimed at restoring the state as the sole guarantor of security, justice, and public service.” He underlined that “Lebanese citizens need a genuine state—led by men and women capable of re-establishing the state’s monopoly over arms, asserting sovereignty across all borders, and rebuilding trust between citizens and their institutions.”

El Sayegh further emphasized the need for structural reforms in the judiciary, public administration, and financial governance, stating that “there can be no rule of law without an independent judiciary.” He urged protection for judges from political interference and called for revealing the truth about the Beirut Port explosion. Rebuilding the state, he said, “requires transparent governance, recovery of stolen assets, and placing citizens at the center of public policy—especially in health, education, social protection, and infrastructure.”

On foreign policy, El Sayegh advocated for “positive neutrality” in Lebanon’s approach to regional and international relations, away from alignment with any political blocs. He stressed that “Lebanese diplomacy must serve state sovereignty and the nation’s higher interests, rebuilding bridges of cooperation with the Arab world, the Mediterranean, and Europe.”

He concluded his address by affirming that “Lebanon can only rise again through the integration of three essential elements: sovereignty guaranteed by a strong and legitimate state; legitimacy rooted in fair and transparent governance; and inclusive citizenship that transcends sectarian divisions to unite all Lebanese around a common destiny.”

“If we succeed in achieving these transformations,” he added, “Lebanon will regain its historic role as a bridge between East and West, a space for dialogue and creativity, and a model of diversity and resilience in a troubled region.”

The conference drew wide engagement from participants, who praised the clarity of the discussion and the renewed call to rebuild the Lebanese state on the foundations of sovereignty, reform, and citizenship.