The Strong Lebanon bloc held its last regular meeting of 2023, chaired by the head of the bloc, MP Gibran Bassil, with the presence of founding president General Michel Aoun. The meeting included a review of the major events of the year, particularly those aimed at undermining the necessity of having a president of the republic and continuing governance without one.
The bloc issued the following statement: "The bloc expresses its astonishment at the collaboration, which is closer to conspiracy, between the Parliament, which is supposed to be a voting authority, and the caretaker government that manages affairs. This was evident in the extension process and the renewed intention to make appointments and issue decrees in the absence of the president and with the consent of political parties, except for the Free Patriotic Movement. It has become clear once again that the bloc is outside the ruling system and rejects its unconstitutional, illegitimate, and unlawful practices, demonstrating that sovereignty for those who refuse external dictates is a practice, not mere rhetoric, as shown by those who succumb to such dictates. The bloc affirmed that adherence to principles is a matter of principle for it and should not be subject to bargaining. From this standpoint, it will resort to challenging the unconstitutional extension of the army commander."
The bloc warned of the dangers of intentional prolonged presidential vacancy, which has negative ramifications on the existence of the state, as its institutions gradually disintegrate under the pressure of the Syrian displacement crisis affecting Lebanon economically and socially, which has now become a danger to Lebanon's existence. It remarked on the blatant international stance regarding the stabilization of the displaced in Lebanon and efforts to facilitate achieving this goal. The bloc emphasized the need for practical steps following the municipal conference for the displaced that was held last Saturday.
The bloc also extended congratulations to the Lebanese people in general and Christians in particular on the occasions of Christmas and New Year. It asserted that the coming year will also be a year of struggle for defending the rights of the Lebanese in sovereignty, security, economy, and finance, as well as pursuing, holding accountable, and prosecuting all those responsible for violating these rights.
