In an interview with "Nidaa Al-Watan," former minister and advisor to the President, Salim Jreisati, clarified the accuracy of claims regarding a fatwa that allows the caretaker government to refrain from handing over presidential powers after President Michel Aoun's term ends. He denied such claims, affirming that the constitutional term ends on October 31, 2022. He stated that he has not expressed an opinion on the caretaker government exercising presidential powers, saying, "This is another matter; for example, one cannot say 'do not approach prayer...' without adding 'while you are intoxicated.'"
Jreisati emphasized that President Aoun is determined to leave the Baabda Palace at the end of his presidency on October 31, 2022, and that malicious individuals are using this argument to imply that he will remain at the palace after that date under various pretexts and fatwas. He noted that previous fatwas during President Michel Sleiman's term are irrelevant to them.
He stressed that they adhere to the constitutional provisions and advised Prime Minister Najib Mikati to preempt a situation that would lead to interpretations and customs that do not serve the country's interests. Jreisati stated, "It is in the interest of the nation and the people in these difficult and exceptional circumstances to form a government with full constitutional qualifications, that has the confidence of the Parliament."
He continued, "When there is such a government, legal interpretations will cease, and it will function like the government of Tamam Salam, exercising presidential powers except for those closely associated with the person of the president as stated in past fatwas." He expressed a desire for elections to take place before the end of Aoun's presidential term, emphasizing that Aoun is committed to leaving the presidency on October 31, 2022.
Jreisati highlighted the central issue: whether such a caretaker government can legitimately exercise presidential powers. He called for the formation of a government with full constitutional qualifications that has the confidence of the Parliament so that it can exercise presidential powers in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution. Finally, he urged that "no one should expect General Aoun, who vowed to respect the provisions of the Lebanese Constitution and its laws, to violate his oath," while affirming his commitment to the people's interests, concluding: "As much as President Aoun is committed to the constitutional provisions regarding the end of his presidential term, he is equally committed to not allowing the accumulation of vacancies during these perilous times."
