After Contacting Nohad Salam, Here's What Happened

Last week’s meetings among the "Forces of Change" deputies at their colleague Wadih Sadiq's office did not result in a unified stance regarding a candidate for the position of Prime Minister representing them. Aside from the criteria expressed regarding independence and the ability to form a "rescue" government and manage the exit from the crisis along with negotiations with international bodies, the name remained outside of a comprehensive agreement. The only breakthrough noted was the advancement of the former Lebanese ambassador to the United Nations, Nohad Salam, over other candidates. According to "Al-Akhbar" sources, there was direct communication between a group of deputies and Salam, who is currently abroad, where they expressed a tendency among most of them to nominate him while trying to coordinate with him and understand his opinion. While the door for consultation remains open, Salam seemed reserved and calm in approaching the subject and did not express opposition; however, he conditioned the possibility of reaching the nomination stage, being aware of the divide between the "Forces of Change" deputies and other blocs such as the "Strong Republic," "Democratic Gathering," and the independent Sunni deputies, a significant portion of whom are affiliated with the Future Movement, which prevents him from securing the necessary votes. The "Forces of Change" deputies continue to meet daily in an attempt to come to a unified decision. If that proves difficult, the direction might either be to present the nomination for a vote and adopt the majority position, or to head to Baabda Palace without a nomination.