President Michel Aoun could have responded positively to Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati's "cabinet formation" step yesterday, welcoming his speed in presenting a ministerial draft to him less than 24 hours after concluding the non-binding parliamentary consultations in the Nejmeh Square. However, he did not. It is true that Mikati may have rushed and did not inform Baabda about the results of his consultations, and that he did not consult Aoun regarding the structure he proposed. Nevertheless, Aoun could have embraced these factors from his higher position in the Lebanese Republic, especially since the draft is not final and he can discuss it with Mikati as much as he wishes, even turning it completely upside down if he so desires.
Instead, the presidential team opted to escalate the governmental situation early on, almost entirely burning the bridges between him and the Prime Minister-designate, according to political sources opposed to "Al-Markaziya." Is what happened beneficial for the presidency in particular and the country in general? Would it not have been wiser and better for Aoun or his orange team to reach a compromise, thus keeping the chances of achieving an understanding between both sides alive? According to the sources, Mikati's speed and what he presented to Aoun yesterday are not evidence that he does not want a government before the end of the term, as some orange parliamentary sources have accused him in the past few hours. Rather, it is the reaction of the presidency and the Free Patriotic Movement to Mikati's ministerial structure that will lead the country to this negative and dangerous "fate," as Mikati remains in his position as Prime Minister-designate for an indefinite period!
From here, the sources indicated that President Aoun and his team need to reassess their "angry" governmental behavior following Mikati's step and attempt to ease the tensions with him if they wish to save the country and whatever is left of the term. They should meet the hand that Mikati has extended toward them at the end of the "draft leak debate" that took place strongly between the two sides last night, reaching a middle ground… Otherwise, there will be no government, no solutions, no rescue, and Aoun will leave the palace, leaving behind a dilapidated nation, the sources conclude.
