Lebanese President Michel Aoun warned on Wednesday political powers against further delay in the government formation process. In an address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, he said: “Lebanon is living a government formation crisis. It is not unprecedented and it has happened in the past. It happens in even the most civilized and democratic countries.” “It is, however, costing us time that we cannot bring back. It is hindering us from being productive and following up on the interests of the nation and people, especially the economy,” he added. “If you want the rise of the state, then you should know that Lebanon no longer has the luxury of wasting time,” he stressed. “Our priority during the past phase was to ensure stability and security and steer Lebanon clear of regional unrest. Today, after we have achieved that, we must shift our attention to the pressing economic situation, which worrying the people,” Aoun continued. “It is no longer possible to introduce temporary solutions and delay necessary reform on all levels,” he stated. “The real strength of nations is not measured by their military capabilities, but rather by their real economy, its sustainable development and its adaptation to evolution and modernization,” said the president. “Independence cannot be complete and national sovereignty cannot take its full dimension unless the national economy is converted from a catch-up economy to a productive one,” he added. “Lebanon is a country small in area but large in capabilities. Investing properly in these capabilities and potentials requires a serious approach to national economy and a modern perspective of production in the various sectors,” Aoun declared. “Despite all the current difficulties, we will not let the country suffer for much longer. We will not be lenient in countering corruption and the corrupt. We will not renege on promises of reform, sustainable development and finding work opportunities for our youth.” “I will personally work with all my power in collaboration with the parliament speaker and prime minister to push forward the economy, rationalize spending and improve services and infrastructure, which are some of the citizens most basic rights,” he vowed.