The Republic reports that an influential party asserts it is not trying to inherit any arena but rather has natural allies within it. Influential external parties are attempting to achieve several reform steps before the legislative elections in May, contrary to claims that everything is postponed until after. A recent speech from a high-ranking political official sparked outrage within his political, party, and sectarian environment regarding the electoral file. Sources from an active political movement echo that a prominent government figure behaves as if the legislative elections are not occurring on schedule in mid-May. Beirut circles were surprised by communications from Future Movement officials with Beirut stakeholders aimed at forming a list topped by a former minister in Prime Minister Saad Hariri's last government. An opposition figure fears that delaying the legislative elections and extending the current parliament might lead to postponing the presidential elections and extending President Michel Aoun's term for the same period as the parliamentary extension.
The National Call clarified that the statement issued by the head of the labor union, which contained sharp criticism of the Prime Minister for linking social assistance for employees to their full attendance, was published after a resolution was reached. Related sources considered it part of an effort to promote the union head in his role at the Port of Beirut. The faculties at the Lebanese University require in-person teaching for contracted professors and allow remote teaching for permanent faculty, while contracted professors are excluded from social assistance and COVID-19 test revenues. The Accounting Directorate in the Ministry of Finance conditioned its approval of the budget for a public institution on passing certain technical transactions within that institution, which concern close associates of influential individuals in the ministry.
The News reported that the direct remarks made by a parliamentary bloc leader during a youth meeting off-script received significant interaction and left fundamental impressions among observers. The resolution on nominations within a political movement is delayed in many areas due to increasing disputes among its members.
Al-Bina stated that Western sources expressed fears of a disruption in Ukraine's internet connectivity and are preparing for this by strengthening the transmission of border networks being established to cover areas deep within Ukraine, particularly the city of Lviv, which is being prepared as an alternative capital to Kyiv and where journalists and diplomats are stationed. Sources involved in the legislative elections anticipate a significant decline in voter turnout if the global rise in oil prices continues, as the price of gasoline could reach 600,000 Lebanese pounds in May, limiting participation to voters whose transportation is provided by electoral machines.
