Political circles consider the suggestion of President Hassan Diab returning to the presidency as a "joke," while Diab's name has been seriously proposed among political figures in the ongoing process of "sifting" through potential candidates. This comes after it was revealed that the new names being suggested are not serious and are rejected, and after obstacles emerged regarding the assignment of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to form the new government.
Diab's recent visit to Speaker Nabih Berri was highlighted, where an official statement mentioned they discussed the "general situation and political developments." Following this meeting, Diab left without making a statement. Some interpreted this visit, occurring in the lead-up to mandatory parliamentary consultations, as an inquiry into the assignment process, potentially positioning Diab's name for the premiership. However, informed sources told "Al-Jumhuriya" that while the timing of the visit sparked "analyses," such consultations also occur without the need for public disclosure, thus the visit does not necessarily fit within this framework.
Regarding Diab, he reportedly does not consider the premiership an option, especially as there is a likelihood that "the assignment may occur without a formation." Although those close to him advised against visiting Berri at this time to prevent others from hastily linking the visit to the assignment process, Diab proceeded with the prearranged visit. This visit followed Diab's return from abroad and was considered a protocol visit after the parliamentary elections and Berri's re-election as Speaker for a new term, according to informed sources.
Furthermore, Diab's visit to Ain al-Tineh is not intended for "heart clearing," particularly following the clash between the two men and Berri's role in bringing down Diab's government and his resignation. Previously, after the formation of Mikati's government, there was a "sort of thawing" in their relationship, with negative sentiments towards each other diminishing, especially as Diab is now outside of power. The discussions during the meeting revolved around assessing the elections, their results, the upcoming phase, the presidential elections, and the challenges related to assignment and formation.
However, aside from Diab personally, can "Hezbollah" and its allies bring forth a "second Diab" for the premiership and a government similar to Diab’s government, leveraging the 65 votes Berri secured in the battle to elect the Speaker? Opposition sources believe this is increasingly impossible, and it is likely that "the party" is not seriously considering it, as this group cannot circumvent the electoral outcomes. The public has already voiced its opinion, and regardless of the scattered pro-sovereignty parliamentary atmosphere, the majority of the Parliament occupies a sovereign position. Hezbollah managed to establish Diab's government because it and its allies held the parliamentary majority at that time; however, they lost this majority in the current council. Despite still having organized strength and cohesion compared to other deputies, they no longer possess the majority, and the government needs to gain the confidence of Parliament. Furthermore, a figure capable of forming a government that lifts the country's isolation and reopens it to Arab countries must be appointed; the question arises, "Where will we find investments and support?"
