Aoun pointed out that this will be a period of real reforms with a forensic audit on the accounts of the Central Bank (Banque du Liban) and of all suspicious state institutions.

‘It is a historic step that will lead to compliance with the rules of transparency, the fight against corruption, reform and accountability,’ he said in a statement.

The president’s remarks came after the newly nominated Finance Minister Youssef Khalil signed a contract with the US consulting firm Álvarez & Marsal, in charge of the investigation task.

‘The financial forensic audit was achieved after 20 months of arduous and daily efforts and responds to the right of the Lebanese to know the reasons for the current economic, financial and social collapse,’ Aoun said.

In any case, the investigation that uses criminology resources will pave the way for structural reforms conditioned by the international community to send financial aid.

Álvarez & Marsal will examine public administrations, institutions, councils, funds and committees, especially those suspected of being corrupt.

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