Kulluna Irada held a press conference in Beirut to respond to what it described as “systematic disinformation and slander campaigns” targeting the organization and several independent journalists and economic platforms. Members of the administrative and executive boards, as well as legal advisors, took part in the event.
Wafa Saab: The Association Is Independent, and Allegations of Foreign Funding Are Fabricated
Board member Wafa Saab stated that the association was founded in 2017 by Lebanese citizens residing in Lebanon and abroad, from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal of reform.
“Kulluna Irada is not a political party or affiliated with any political authority. It is a group that works on public policy and supports competent individuals with integrity,” she said.
Saab stressed that the organization is funded solely by its members, dismissing claims of foreign funding as “fabrications.” She added that “a simple search on the websites of the mentioned parties is enough to refute such claims.”
Labib Abouzahr: The Battle for Reform Is Inseparable from the Battle for Sovereignty
Kulluna Irada member Labib Abouzahr emphasized that true reform in Lebanon requires the interconnection of three inseparable paths: restoring sovereignty, achieving financial and economic reform, and building a democratic civil state.
“The election of a president and the formation of a government were a real opportunity to launch a reform process,” he said, “but the ruling establishment saw this as a threat to its structure and responded by targeting anyone calling for reform.”
He concluded: “The battle for reform in Lebanon is not just technical—it’s existential. We are continuing it alongside all reformist forces, no matter how intense the pressure becomes.”
Diane Assaf: We Operate Within the Law, and All Association Accounts Are Declared
Legal advisor and attorney Diane Assaf addressed the legal aspects, stating that the association has not officially received notice of the legal complaint filed against it, but is fully prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities.
“All of the association’s accounts are submitted and declared according to legal standards,” she said. “Funds spent during elections are published on our website for transparency. Media outlets have used our website as a source of information.”
Diana Menhem: The Same Parties That Promoted the “Soundness” of Monetary Policies Are Now Attacking Us
Executive director Diana Menhem stated that the association is facing “a vicious campaign that also targets media platforms and economists.” She explained:
“The reason for the attack is clear: we dared to call for accountability for those responsible for the crisis, and demanded that they assume their responsibilities—so they intensified their defense of their own interests.”
She emphasized that “the same parties that promoted the so-called soundness of monetary policies, and convinced us that the Lebanese lira was in perfect shape, are the ones leveling accusations against us today.” She described the campaign as one that “threatens democratic life and public discourse.”
Menhem pointed out that the association had presented well-documented research papers and economic proposals, “but the response came in the form of lies, conspiracy theories, and intimidation.” She criticized the media blackout and the denial of the association’s right to reply—or presenting their responses in a selective and distorted way.
Menhem said the association had called for identifying the responsibilities of the political and banking classes in the loss of more than $76 billion. “We demand forensic audits and the fight against the illicit economy that is strangling legitimate institutions,” she added, noting that such demands have been continuously rejected for six years.
She also called for “a fair fiscal policy that ensures justice for depositors,” lifting banking secrecy, and pursuing a transparent negotiation path with the International Monetary Fund. She concluded:
“We promise to stay committed to the path of sovereignty and reform. These campaigns will not stop us—we are moving forward.”
The conference concluded with all speakers affirming that the association will continue on its path and will not back down in the face of pressure. They stressed that the current phase demands more commitment than ever to the principles of sovereignty, reform, and accountability.