Speaker Nabih Berri has apologized for not advancing his dialogue initiative, after previously considering that the only real alternative to dialogue would be chaos, which many have warned about recently in a politically alarming scene for the Lebanese, and whose repercussions would be heavier than can be borne under the current conditions. Berri had reminded of his specifications for the upcoming president on August 31, emphasizing that he must have Islamic and Christian legitimacy, and most importantly, a national one.
In light of the looming specter of chaos over the Lebanese atmosphere, Berri has resumed his presidential motor by activating his mediation or attempt with Jumblatt, trying to convince former Minister Walid Jumblatt to support the leadership of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, and gather as many votes as possible for him. In this context, Jumblatt made a "timid" statement after his visit to Ain al-Tineh yesterday, where he indicated that he is proceeding with supporting the candidacy of MP Michel Moawad. However, what was notable in his statement was: "We are not a single team in the country; let other names be circulated and then we will see." Sources with wide knowledge understood from Jumblatt’s words that he might be ready to present Frangieh on a "presidential platter."
Currently, Berri's proposed approach appears to be consulting with friends and allies of Ain al-Tineh to bring his friend Frangieh to Baabda, in a "smooth" manner away from the language of challenge or confrontation, in order to facilitate the presidential election. It has become clear that this will not change anything in the equations; this position was clearly reflected in the statement of the Amal Movement's MP Ali Hassan Khalil after his declaration supporting Frangieh for the presidency, asserting that the most important thing is to bring a president from the essence of the March 8 forces, provided that the ally of the ally, MP Gibran Bassil, is removed from Frangieh’s presidential path.
According to information from "Akhabar Al-Yawm" news agency, Hezbollah is working on convincing Bassil by giving him a promise that he will be the candidate in the next round, in 2028, in addition to a package of guarantees that he would benefit from if Frangieh reaches the presidency. Thus, observers believe that the possibility of agreeing on these terms in the near future is not far or even impossible, but rather feasible, especially since Frangieh had previously cleared the way for former President Michel Aoun in the 2016 presidential elections.
It is worth noting that Bassil still refuses to lift the veto he has placed on electing Frangieh as president and had informed Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, of this during their meeting last week, which reportedly was not comfortable between the two regarding Bassil’s stubbornness to accommodate his ally’s request. There are those who say that this could jeopardize the relationship and have unforeseen repercussions.
The basic question here is: Will Bassil deliver a severe blow to the party in the upcoming session on Thursday for electing a president, or will he remember that he would be politically harmed if he is outside the party's embrace and back down?
