LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - December 27, 2025

Lebanon’s Cabinet approved the draft financial gap law and referred it to Parliament following three sessions of debate, opting not to introduce major amendments that could raise objections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The bill passed with 13 votes in favor out of 22 ministers present, while nine ministers voted against it. Supporters included

The draft law is a key component of Lebanon’s reform agenda tied to negotiations with the IMF, aiming to address the financial gap caused by the country’s prolonged banking and sovereign crisis.

One of the notable clarifications added during Cabinet discussions states that Banque du Liban’s foreign currency reserves are considered part of depositors’ funds.

However, no amendments were introduced to provisions that directly affect the pace or mechanism of deposit recovery.

Under the bill, depositors remain classified into four categories. Deposits of up to $100,000 are to be repaid over four years, while amounts exceeding that threshold would be compensated through long-term financial certificates.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam acknowledged that the draft law is “not perfect,” but described it as a necessary step toward restoring financial rights and rebuilding confidence.

Once in Parliament, the draft law is expected to face further debate and potential amendments.