Sharp criticism from one woman party activist of the CSOs ways of working in Lebanon

The Loubanioun association held yesterday a discussion session on issues related to women’s work within political parties.  Women representatives of the PSSP, Future, Amal, Jamaa Islamyah, Hezbollah, Lebanese Forces, Free Patriotic Movement, Phalangist and Marada parties were in attendance.

During the meeting, Myrna Zakharia from the Marada party spoke about the relation between CSOs and political circles, saying that politicians have had enough lessons from CSOs as criticism from the outside is easier than working from the inside.  She added that many CSO individuals made their ways into political parties but could not practice what they preached.  She further added that if CSOs consider all politicians to be corrupt, then it is useless to address demands to them and if they considered that they are good, then they should not waste time criticizing them.  She also lambasted CSOs for their criticism of the prorogation of the Parliament and said that although it is a bad practice, CSOs are not well positioned to criticize politicians, as it is also a common practice within CSOs.  She concluded by saying that there are 100 fold more CSOs in Lebanon than there are political parties and there are good people on both sides.  She called on CSOs to refrain from systematically criticizing and condemning politicians because they themselves are no worse and no better.

 

(Source: Al-Diyar 29 January, 2015)