The designated Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is conducting consultations for the formation of a government on Monday and Tuesday. Attention remains focused on the position of the Free Patriotic Movement, which did not name Mikati during his third designation but participated in the government!
Yesterday, from Baabda Palace, the head of the Strong Lebanon bloc, MP Gebran Bassil, denied any intention to participate in the government, stating: "Any statements attributed to us regarding any demands for participating in the government are incorrect, especially after false claims about names, portfolios, and designations have circulated. Tomorrow, the non-binding consultations will begin according to the rules, and at that time, we will announce our position on this matter. I hope there will be no false interpretations of any position we take."
Regarding the bloc's demands, MP Salim Aoun clarified, via "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, that what the Strong Lebanon bloc expressed yesterday during the designation consultations will be reiterated in front of Mikati. He said: "What matters to us is the government's work program for the next four months, where performance must go beyond traditional and technical matters, as we are facing a stage that transcends individuals and formalities, because what is important now is the content."
Aoun stated that the key questions we will raise with President Mikati are: What is the fate of the Governor of the Central Bank? Is there an intention to appoint a new governor? What recovery plan will be adopted? In addition to following up on forensic auditing, as we do not want any obstruction.
He expressed concern about the potential hindrance to forming a government during the last months of the term, whether it results from bad faith or good faith, considering that the reality and past experiences indicate that the period for forming governments often exceeds their term, and in most cases, formation has taken more than four months.
He added: "We tried to gain time before the designation but were unsuccessful," noting that the longer time passes, the more challenging the solutions become, but we will not remain idle in the face of any obstruction.
He pointed out that every file is linked to all parties, which is a fundamental problem in the Lebanese system, and everyone must bear responsibility. He noted that every action faces obstacles, some of which can be overcome, while others are difficult to navigate, and there are issues we must strive to overcome.
He concluded: "The requirement is for serious intent to address all obstacles; surrender is not permissible."
