Deputy Mohammed Khawaja stated that "there have been no positive developments in the government formation file," revealing that there are complex interrelated complications, especially since the disagreements have taken on a personal character in the conflict between the designated Prime Minister "Saad Hariri" and the head of "the Free Patriotic Movement," Deputy Gibran Bassil.
During an interview with Sputnik, Khawaja expressed that he does not foresee any developments in the near term regarding government formation, noting that "House Speaker Nabih Berri is ready for any initiative, but what is important today is that the blue and orange blocs are willing to resolve the situation." Khawaja reiterated that "there is no movement in the government formation file, but we hope for renewed effort because the country cannot bear it; the crises are very severe, especially since the current health crisis has overshadowed all other crises, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the high numbers of infections and deaths, which continue to rise every day." He emphasized that "these intertwined issues, under which all Lebanese are suffering, can only be faced through an effective reformist government in every sense of the word."
Regarding the relation between the government formation file and external developments, he mentioned that "it cannot be denied that the government formation file is linked to external factors. Lebanon is a small country under international and regional influences, and external factors are present; however, my personal opinion at this moment is that the internal reasons are greater, including personal reasons, not just differences in political stance." Khawaja hoped for "a prevailing sense of national responsibility and that the interests of the Lebanese people take precedence," stressing "the necessity to recognize the magnitude of the problems we face, which can only be resolved through collective efforts, dialogue, and understanding that leads to an effective and active government capable of alleviating the burdens of the crises faced by the Lebanese people."
