The Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Aguila Saleh, has warned of a potential shutdown of the country's vital oil production if the Central Bank Governor is replaced, following the Presidential Council's (PC) controversial appointment of Mohammed Shukri to the role.
In a television interview on Thursday, Saleh accused the PC of attempting to "loot public funds and perpetuate corruption" by appointing Shukri. He declared, "We will not allow the continued flow of Libya's wealth to individuals who have come through suspicious means and untrustworthy hands."
Saleh stressed that any changes to the Central Bank's leadership could trigger a halt in oil production and the suspension of revenue transfers to the Central Bank, a move that could have significant economic repercussions for the country.
He also emphasized that Shukri has no legitimate authority, asserting that both the HoR and the High Council of State (HCS) are committed to keeping Saddek Elkaber in his position as Central Bank Governor to protect Libya's financial stability, insisting that the decision to retain Elkaber is crucial for the ongoing process of unifying the Central Bank.
Saleh criticized the PC's involvement in sovereign positions, arguing that it oversteps its mandate. He pointed out that the PC, established under a political agreement, has specific tasks and is not the head of state as it perceives itself.
Earlier this week, Saleh reiterated that Elkaber and his deputy, Mari al-Barassi, would remain in their positions until an agreement is reached with the HCS on key sovereign roles.
The Presidential Council recently issued decisions appointing Shukri as Acting Central Bank Governor and forming a new board of directors.
