An informed source did not rule out that the designated president might visit Baabda today or at any time within the next 72 hours to resume discussions about the cabinet formation he presented to the president on June 29. Sources following the new government formation file described the ongoing communications aimed at bridging the views between President Aoun, his son-in-law MP Gibran Bassil, and President Mikati as stagnant, with no breakthroughs achieved, even partially, as each party continues to hold on to its previous positions. This stalemate could lead to a complete freeze of communications and consultations if the current impasse persists, potentially resulting in the formation process being shelved, with the caretaker government continuing its tasks until the end of President Michel Aoun's term and the election of a new president.
The sources disclosed that communications took place over the past two days but did not yield positive results, despite various proposed solutions to resolve the existing differences. The topic of reinstating the caretaker government was proposed by resolving the issue of appointing two ministers, replacing the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Displaced Persons, and reissuing their formation decrees. Disagreements continued over who would name the ministers; Aoun insisted on his naming authority, which Mikati completely rejected, as it would allow the Aounist bloc to secure a blocking third and control the decisions and work of the caretaker government, thus paralyzing it whenever desired, as has happened previously.
The sources pointed out that Aoun's proposal for an expanded government comprising thirty ministers, including six ministers of state, also involved the National Movement securing a blocking third, which is rejected not only by Mikati but by most parties participating in the government, leaving matters in a vicious cycle. The sources defined what transpired in the communications and the efforts made to resolve the government formation crisis and the disputes discussed, stating that the designated president clearly conveyed to the mediators what he accepts and what he rejects, firmly opposing the expanded government and insisting on a ministerial lineup consisting of 24 ministers or the reinstatement of the current government without granting any party, including the Free Patriotic Movement, a blocking third under any circumstances.
The discussions also touched on some of MP Gibran Bassil's old and new demands, including replacing the Governor of the Central Bank, Riad Salameh, with someone from the Aounist bloc, appointing employees chosen by this bloc to key positions in the state, and obtaining guarantees that files related to close associates of the bloc would not be reopened in the upcoming term. Mikati expressed his refusal to commit to these demands.
In a related context, informed sources told "Al-Liwaa" that the statement issued from Baabda seemed to suggest it was part of the ongoing battle over the government file, while its points were clear and not specifically intended for that purpose, emphasizing that it clarified matters to prevent misinterpretation. On the other hand, the same sources confirmed that the government file has not been suspended, but it is not in its best condition and is awaiting developments this week should a meeting occur between the president and the designated prime minister.
