Despite his repeated affirmations to international delegations and diplomatic missions that the constitutional processes would be completed after the parliamentary elections through obligatory parliamentary consultations to form a new government, the President continues to "delay" calling for these consultations, according to parliamentary sources. This delay is attributed at times to the completion of the election of the presidency, bureau, and committees of the parliament, and at other times to waiting for the formation of parliamentary blocs and alliances, with the latest excuse being his preoccupation with the American mediator's visit for border demarcation. The real aim behind this procrastination was clearly articulated by the head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," Gibran Bassil, during his recent televised interview, where he explicitly stated the demand to clarify the identity of the person who would be tasked with forming the government before Aoun calls for the consultations.
In this context, sources noted that "Bassil, as is customary during governmental milestones, is utilizing presidential powers to improve his negotiating position in the processes of assignment and formation." This time, he seeks to prevent the renomination of President Najib Mikati to form the upcoming government, especially since he is aware that a parliamentary majority supports Mikati's assignment. Therefore, he aims to take advantage of the time leading up to the anticipated call for consultations next week to gain specific benefits in the governmental negotiations. However, the sources confirmed that Mikati "is not in a hurry" and does not seem inclined to "submit to any blackmail or to make any prior concessions or commitments to expedite his appointment."
