Mohamed Rifaat Nassereldine honored the eight elected municipal councils and the mukhtars of the Hermel District during a gathering held on the banks of the Orontes River. The ceremony was attended by municipal presidents and members, as well as political and social figures from the region.
Following the Lebanese national anthem, Nassereldine welcomed the electoral choices made by the people of Baalbek-Hermel, which resulted in the formation of the new councils. He expressed hope that these councils would mark the beginning of a new phase of development and progress for the region.
He called on the active political forces in Baalbek-Hermel, particularly Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, to follow up on the projects and demands submitted by municipalities to the relevant authorities. He also called for accountability for anyone who obstructs municipal work, emphasizing that municipalities represent and serve all citizens.
Nassereldine appealed to President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to give greater attention to the region’s social, economic, institutional, and security needs. He also invited the Prime Minister to visit Baalbek-Hermel.
The priorities raised during the event included accelerating the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border, coordinating the return of displaced residents to their villages and properties, facilitating the return of Syrian citizens to their towns, increasing the presence of the army and security forces, establishing permanent security points, addressing issues related to the Orontes River dam, supporting hospitals and medical centers, developing schools and university institutions, and supporting the establishment of a chamber of commerce, industry, and agriculture.
Nassereldine also called on the region’s ten members of Parliament to submit an urgent draft law establishing a dedicated development council for Baalbek-Hermel.
Hermel Mayor Ali Taha stressed the significant responsibility carried by the newly elected councils. Amal Movement official Mohamed Nassereldine called on municipal councils and mukhtars to work transparently in the service of the community and affirmed the Movement’s commitment to supporting their work and helping them succeed.