The Shepherd: No to Half-Presidents

In a strong statement, Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai indicated that "members of parliament must elect a president these days, and it is time for the presidential candidate imposing himself to reveal his personality and ability to save. We do not want a compromise president." In his Sunday Mass sermon in Bkirki, al-Rai said: "The people expect to exit their crises and do not look favorably upon the slogan of change. It is important for the people that initiatives contribute to creating a comprehensive solution project based on sovereignty, independence, neutrality, expanded decentralization, and openness." He continued, "The patriarchate supports a successful president after their election, and Lebanon can no longer bear half-solutions, half-presidents, or half-governments. The people reject a government tailored to some and also reject a president on demand."