France warns Lebanon’s leaders against ‘collective suicide’

French FM slams Lebanese politicians for failing to pull the country out of its economic meltdown or form a government.

France’s top diplomat has threatened Lebanon with more sanctions to prevent what he described as a “collective suicide” organised by members of the country’s ruling political class. Lebanon’s leaders had promised reform in the aftermath of a deadly explosion at Beirut port last year but, nine months on, they have yet to form a government. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, whose country has spearheaded international efforts to assist Lebanon’s moribund economy, said on Friday that there was no sign of a breakthrough.