The head of the "Independence Movement," MP Michel Miouad, indicated that "it is our responsibility to unite the various 'oppositions' under one program, and the problem of a fragmented opposition harms our ability to bring about change. We noticed this during the election of the Speaker of the House and the committees, and we see it today in the issue of designating a Prime Minister."
During the announcement of the Independent Sovereign Bloc, attended by MPs Ashraf Rifi and Fouad Makhzoumi, Miouad added: "We will not nominate any candidate from the system for the premiership, and we will not specifically nominate Najib Mikati, and we will strive hard to create a significant stance against his nomination."
He continued, saying: "We have taken a principled position for joint action in the coming period," pointing out that "there is a problem of an armed militia's hegemony over the Lebanese constitutional decision which leads to isolating Lebanon and to political instability." Miouad concluded: "We share common convictions, and we believe that the confrontation should be national and not sectarian, and the fragmentation of the opposition plays a negative role in effecting change," emphasizing the necessity of creating a significant political presence that communicates and influences the various opposition blocs.
For his part, Rifi stated: "We have gained popular legitimacy in the elections, and the slogan 'Everyone means everyone' is now behind us. The first spark of the revolution was ignited in the municipal elections in Tripoli." He added: "We say to the opposition that resembles us that our hand is extended to you, and we want a state where individuals live in freedom and dignity, and we will not be subordinate to a project that does not resemble us and does not secure our lives."
