BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea slammed the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati saying it brought back Lebanon to the “dark years.”

“This government is not the least interested in the daily needs of the Lebanese it doesn’t want to solve the electricity crisis, or work on alleviating the public debt, or fight corruption,” he told supporters during a ceremony to launch LF’s web television. “This government wants to bring Lebanon back to a past time that has ended.”

Geagea said the factions that dominate the government, in reference to Hezbollah and its allies in the March 8 coalition, were not concerned with the daily needs of the Lebanese but were rather tied to a larger regional project.

Geagea also blasted Hezbollah, saying the party’s political and ideological program “served Iranian interests.”

“Hezbollah’s political and ideological program only aims to serve Iranian interests and to fortify Iran’s influence in the Middle East so that Iran becomes the chief regional power,” he added.

Geagea said the Lebanese must not be “held hostage” to Hezbollah and Iran’s ambitions.

He added that the Mikati government was formed to serve Iran and Hezbollah’s interests. “How can the Lebanese trust such a government?” Geagea asked, adding that promises of reform were “groundless.”

Separately, the LF chief hoped that the newly launched LF Web TV will meet the aspirations of the Lebanese and the Arabs in light of the changes witnessed in the Arab world.

“I truly hope that the Web TV will contribute to spreading the culture of freedom, democracy and human rights,” he added.