BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) - December 20, 2025
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government has completed a draft law aimed at restoring financial order and recovering bank deposits, reaffirming its commitment to depositors and to the economic reform agenda outlined in the ministerial statement.
Speaking publicly, Salam said the draft law on financial regularization and deposit recovery was finalized following the approval of legislation lifting banking secrecy and reforming the banking sector.
The draft has been circulated to ministers for review ahead of Cabinet discussions scheduled for Monday, with the government seeking swift approval.
PM Salam acknowledged the frustration of depositors after years of financial collapse, noting that the state failed to safeguard savings during the crisis.
He said the government’s approach avoids short-term fixes and instead seeks to establish a durable legal framework based on transparency, accountability and enforceable legislation.
According to the prime minister, the proposal represents the first comprehensive framework to address Lebanon’s financial gap and recover deposits in a structured and equitable manner, within available resources.
He described the draft as a transition toward recognizing and managing losses realistically, while preserving social stability and rebuilding confidence in the financial system.
Under the draft, depositors with savings below $100,000 would receive their full deposits over four years. PM Salam said this group accounts for approximately 85% of all depositors.
Medium and large depositors would receive $100,000 in full, with the remaining balances converted into tradable bonds equal to the full value of their deposits, without any reduction in principal.
The bonds would be repaid according to a defined schedule and backed by revenues and returns from central bank assets or proceeds from asset sales.
The draft also includes measures to rehabilitate the banking sector through asset evaluation and recapitalization, enabling banks to resume lending and support economic activity.
The law introduces provisions for accountability related to extraordinary profits generated during the crisis, including targeted penalties.
PM Salam said the state would also commit to recapitalizing the central bank in line with international standards, adding that the draft aligns with key requirements of the International Monetary Fund.
He said the proposal offers a clear roadmap to address the crisis and begin restoring confidence in Lebanon’s economy.
