The President of the Republic Meets with the President of the Court of Audit and Accompanying Delegation

President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received President of the Court of Audit, Judge Mohammad Badran, accompanied by the Court’s Prosecutor General Judge Fawzi Khamees, and Chamber Presidents Judges Abdel Reda Nasser, Inaam Al-Boustani, and Nelly Abi Younes.

Remarks by Judge Badran

At the outset of the meeting, Judge Badran delivered the following remarks:
"Your Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to enter the Presidential Palace once again, now that it has a leader — a leader I have known through some of the most difficult times the country has faced. I have witnessed in you a statesman committed to the institutions of the Republic, including the Court of Audit.
Despite the dire circumstances and limited resources — during the five years I have served as President of the Court — we have never wavered in fulfilling our duties. The judges, auditors, controllers, and administrative staff gave their utmost to protect public funds and prevent waste and corruption. The Court's reports and bold rulings over the past period are a testament to this commitment, having had significant internal and external impact.
However, confronting the considerable challenges that lie ahead, especially in light of what was stated in your inaugural address, requires further support on three key fronts:
First, strengthening human resources by appointing new judges through a competition administered by the Judicial Studies Institute, and recruiting auditors and controllers through the Civil Service Board. The Court previously received an exemption from the hiring freeze law, but the lack of budgetary allocations has delayed the competition thus far.
Second, increasing financial resources by boosting the Court’s budget to enable field inspections and engagement with technical experts essential for executing its oversight duties.
Third, filling vacant leadership positions, including three Chamber Presidents and assistant judges for the Prosecutor General — who currently operates alone — to ensure the regular and effective functioning of the institution.
Your Excellency,
I am confident that your tenure will mark the return of hope, prosperity, and institutional integrity — all within the framework of the law. I also trust that the Court of Audit will enjoy your full support to enhance its independence, and in return, we will remain ever-vigilant guardians of public funds and sound financial governance."

Response from President Aoun

President Aoun welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for their visit and congratulations. He reaffirmed “the vital role that the judges of the Court of Audit play in safeguarding public funds, which belong to you and to the Lebanese people.” He also encouraged the Court “not to hesitate in rejecting violations in any files it reviews as part of its prior and subsequent oversight responsibilities — provided this does not delay or obstruct decision-making processes.”
He added:
“You took an oath upon assuming your positions — remain loyal to that oath, not beholden to the political authorities that appointed you. Let your loyalty be to the nation. Work for the public interest, especially in protecting public funds and combating the waste and corruption that have eroded many of the state's institutions.”
President Aoun also praised the Court’s achievement in “finalizing the accounts of 11 fiscal years,” urging continued progress in this important constitutional task, despite the limited resources available to the Court.