Despite the swift actions taken by the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati following the completion of parliamentary consultations, including visiting President Michel Aoun and presenting a complete cabinet formation, the Baabda Palace continues to take a long time as if Lebanon has the luxury of time. The previous approach of passing veiled messages that undermine the formation process has not changed. Mikati visited the presidential palace again yesterday to follow up on the formation he entrusted to Aoun, but the latter did not provide a definitive answer. A new visit for Mikati at the beginning of next week was announced for further discussions, but it is clear from the context that the President, along with National Free Movement leader Gibran Bassil, are not in agreement with the current formation and insist on taking over the Ministry of Energy, in addition to several other ministries.
MP Walid Baabriani ruled out the formation of a government in the foreseeable future, indicating that the balance tilts more towards negativity than positivity. Baabriani attributed this reality to internal obstruction and the National Free Movement's insistence on controlling the Ministry of Energy, among other assets, thereby aiming to exert control over the country. He also pointed to the complex regional situation, which directly impacts the local situation.
In an interview with the "Anbaa" electronic newspaper, Baabriani expressed astonishment at how the government file is being handled, as if there is no crisis in the country, all living necessities are ensured, and Lebanon is "comfortable" and does not require a government quickly. Regarding the proposal of naming MP Saji Attiyeh to represent Akkar in the upcoming government, Baabriani noted that Attiyeh is a competent man and deserves the position, but the majority in Akkar is Sunni. Based on the sectarian composition of the country, the demand has been to appoint a Sunni figure from the governorate.
