All those involved in the formation process are betting on today's meeting in Baabda, linking the fate of the governmental deadlock to its atmosphere. If the meeting succeeds in "mending the presidential rift" and crafting a consensual formula for the distribution of ministerial shares between Presidents Michel Aoun and Najib Mikati, optimism grows that the formation of a new government will see a swift resolution, potentially leading to its establishment within a week. However, if today's meeting results in further stagnation and "point-scoring," it may officially signal the impossibility of forming a new government before the end of the term, leading to an acceptance of transitioning to a presidential void on the back of a caretaker government.
Meanwhile, those following the atmosphere surrounding Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri observe his effort to keep "Ain al-Tineh" distanced from the tug-of-war between Baabda Palace and the Grand Serail, despite attempts from the "Free Patriotic Movement" to drag him into the governmental battle by repeatedly accusing him of supporting the rigidity of the designated prime minister behind the scenes in the confrontation with the presidency and its bloc. However, sources close to "Ain al-Tineh" emphasize Berri's stance of being "neutral in the government both publicly and privately, unconcerned with all accusations and speculations from here or there; all he cares about is confirming the importance of stopping the obstruction and pushing towards finding an effective government that aligns with the required legislative reforms before and after the end of the term."
Not wishing to delve into Berri's stance on who is responsible for the governmental obstruction, the sources simply stated, "He has water in his mouth," affirming that "the Speaker will uphold his constitutional responsibilities regarding the presidential entitlement regardless of the governmental file." They relayed his firm intention to keep the parliamentary council away from all "rumors and maneuvers" that discuss the possibility of President Michel Aoun remaining in Baabda Palace after October 31, as he at least believes the "party in question" (Aoun) when he asserted that he will not remain in the palace after the end of his constitutional term... In any case, "October 31 is near for him."
As for the constitutional position on the caretaker government’s assumption of presidential powers, the "Amal Movement's" stance was clear through Minister of Culture Mohammad Murtada, who stated yesterday that "if the presidential election date arrives and the election does not take place, leading to a vacancy, the government will respond to that and activate its governmental work," referring explicitly to "Amal Movement's" support for the caretaker government’s role in running the country during a presidential void should a new government not be established.
