As part of our mission to spotlight voices that truly care about Beirut’s future, we sat down with Dr. Hani Zouhair Hammoud , financial advisor, university professor, and long-time social activist. With deep roots in Mina Al Hosn and a powerful vision for a better, more transparent municipality, Dr. Hammoud shares his thoughts on the upcoming municipal elections, the role of local councils, and what Beirut truly needs to rise again. This conversation is more than political talk , it’s a call for responsible leadership, honest service, and real change.
What is a Municipality and Why is it Important?
Municipal councils are like small local governments. They have legal and financial independence according to Lebanese law (Decree 118 – 1977). They’re not just responsible for trash collection or fixing roads , they can build hospitals, schools, bring clean water, light up the streets, and support people in need.
Municipalities are key to local economic growth, development, and social services. They get their funding from:
- Local taxes and fees
- Transfers from the Independent Municipal Fund
- Support from the state or international donors
When managed well, municipalities improve people’s daily lives. But when mismanaged, they bring frustration, bad services, and no progress.
What Makes a Municipality Successful or Failing?
A successful municipality is one that:
- Is transparent
- Spends money wisely
- Listens to its people
- Plans and delivers real results
A failing one lacks all of that ,bad planning, bad management, poor services, and no accountability. People suffer when that happens. Beirut deserves better.
How Can We Judge the Municipality’s Work and Restore Trust?
We judge it by results and transparency. The municipality must show the public how it spends money , what it earns, what it spends, and where. That’s the people’s right.
We need something like a “Shadow Council” , AKA a group from civil society that monitors and holds the municipality accountable. People should attend public meetings, ask questions, and report any corruption or mistakes. That’s how we bring back trust.
How to Choose the Right Candidate?
Don’t vote for your friend or your party. Vote for:
- Someone with experience and knowledge
- Someone honest and transparent
- Someone who listens to people
- Someone who is independent and focused on the city , not his party or his boss
Your vote can build a better Beirut , or keep it stuck. Choose wisely.
What Happens After Elections? Who Monitors the Work?
Accountability doesn’t stop on election day ,it starts there. Citizens must stay involved. Ask for updates. Attend meetings. Submit complaints. Demand answers.
Also, we need legal reforms: the municipal law is outdated, with some parts going back to the French Mandate. It must be updated to allow more transparency, stronger oversight, and a clear financial structure.
Should We Separate Political Parties from Municipal Work?
Yes , completely. Municipal work is about services and development, not politics. When politics and parties take over, they divide the people and delay everything. Beirut needs experts, not slogans. We need unity, not deals.
Final Words: Beirut is Still Alive
Beirut has suffered wars, disasters, corruption, and loss. But it’s still standing. Still proud. Still full of people who care. Let’s use our voices. Let’s vote with hope and wisdom. Let’s give Beirut what it truly deserves a fair, honest, and effective municipality. This city is not just history , it’s the future. And we’re the ones writing it. And as Dr. Hammoud said :
Beirut will survive , Beirut will rise again and shine again since it is the city of life .Beirut, a modern capital with a prestigious past .A pearl that shines and never never dies .
