It is not just a coincidence that the visit of National Liberal Movement leader, MP Gibran Bassil, coincided with the visit of former Minister Sleiman Franjieh, head of the Marada Movement, to the patriarchal seat. Sources close to Bkerke confirm that "the visits were not requested by the two men to meet with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, but rather it was he who sent for them." The sources inform the electronic newspaper "Anbaa" that "Patriarch al-Rahi is completely displeased with how the Christian community is handling the presidential election in light of the difficult circumstances Lebanon is experiencing." According to the sources, "the Patriarch's invitation was solely for a specific purpose, which is to explore what projects the two men are working on and how each approaches the presidential file."
The sources affirm that "the Patriarch was frank in informing both men that whoever does not have a strong chance for the presidency should step aside and agree with the other on a candidate who has a chance of reaching the presidency, as the situation is untenable." "Of course, this warning is preemptive before the entire structure collapses on everyone," the sources conclude.
