Lebanese website "Al-Jadeed" reported that Minister of Information George Qardahi is set to announce his resignation on Friday after a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday, in response to a request from the French to resolve the crisis. According to the Lebanese site, the resignation comes ahead of an anticipated meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Minister George Qardahi told "Al-Jadeed" that his resignation is intended to provide positive momentum for the French president's initiative, noting that he will hold a press conference on Friday at 1 PM at the Ministry of Information. The Lebanese site also pointed out that a call between Qardahi and President Michel Aoun preceded his resignation decision.
It was reported from sources within the government palace that Prime Minister Najib Mikati has not been officially informed about Qardahi's resignation. It was clarified that discussions are ongoing about a replacement for Qardahi, indicating that Minister of Education Abbas Halabi will serve as acting Minister of Information.
This resignation follows a political crisis caused by Qardahi's offensive remarks about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Numerous Lebanese political leaders have demanded Qardahi's resignation due to the damage it caused to relations between Gulf countries and Lebanon.
