The relationship between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Amal Movement has never been smooth; it has often been described as tense, with a lack of chemistry between President Nabih Berri on one side and President Michel Aoun and MP Gibran Bassil on the other. In the final days of the term, it seems coexistence has become impossible as Berri is cautious not to repeat the dilemma of 2016, where the leader of the movement or his designated candidate reached the presidency.
However, MP Qassem Hashem, a member of the Liberation and Development Bloc, denied, through the "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, that President Berri is in confrontation with the movement. He considered that everything being said on this subject is merely an attempt to throw accusations, emphasizing that the Speaker is performing his role and holds his convictions in addressing all the issues raised. This includes his clear and explicit stance regarding the addition of six ministers to the current government, fearing it might open the door for obstruction should we enter a phase of vacuum, as well as in the matter of the presidential election where he will express his views on the qualities of the future president at a later time.
In response to a question, Hashem stated that if Berri's positions coincide with those of some political forces, it is natural, noting that he will engage in communications and consultations based on his political and parliamentary role. He affirmed that the Speaker does not exclude or ally with anyone; he expresses his opinion clearly without ambiguity and does not seek to target any group. Rather, the convergence of views does not imply forming an alliance against anyone.
In a related context, Hashem pointed out that the Free Patriotic Movement operates according to its agenda and political vision and that no one can limit the movement of any political faction. Every party has its opinion and the right to express its positions in the manner it deems appropriate.
