Yesterday, the meeting of several opposition lawmakers in the parliament salon drew attention, as well-informed sources characterized the gathering as a "pulse check" aimed at exploring the prospects for cooperation and coordination among opposition blocs, parties, independent lawmakers, and reformists in the upcoming phase. This effort does not rule out the potential evolution of these discussions into a series of regular weekly meetings to reconcile the diverse views within the opposition regarding imminent challenges, particularly emphasizing the upcoming presidential election.
Notable absences included lawmakers Bula Yacoubian, Halima Qaqour, and Ibrahim Mneimneh, with reliable parliamentary sources indicating that their absence was "deliberate." Other reformist lawmakers were absent due to "health issues or urgent commitments, although they expressed readiness to participate in similar future meetings." The sources emphasized that the atmosphere of yesterday's meeting was generally positive and serves as a foundation for working towards a consensus on a single presidential candidate from the opposition and reform forces.
In this context, the possibility of lawmakers from the "Lebanese Forces" and "Democratic Gathering" joining future meetings was hinted at after representatives from the "Lebanese Phalanges" and independent lawmakers Niemeh Afraam, Michel Moawad, Ashraf Rifi, Adib Abd al-Masih, and Fouad Makhzoumi participated in the initial coordination meeting with reformist lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Samir Geagea, head of the "Lebanese Forces," reiterated yesterday his call for all opposition blocs and reformist lawmakers to unite "to change the circumstances of their voters' lives." He added, "Any rescue plan in Lebanon must begin with a president ‘like the people,’ as everyone can see what is happening today at Baabda Palace and the results we have reached. If we want different results, we need a president contrary to what we have today." He urged the 67 reformist and new lawmakers, whether from the "Forces," "Progressive Socialist Party," "Phalanges," "Liberals," or other parties, to intensify their communications. He emphasized that they must collaborate to achieve change during the first practical opportunity before them, which is the presidential election, ensuring a successful milestone rather than another failure. "We must all be mindful that we can never squander this opportunity or let it pass unheeded. It is now or never; otherwise, history will not forgive us, and our voters will not forgive us, and there will be no trust in anything in Lebanon."
