The head of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Basil, stressed that "thinking about electing a president without Christians is a blow to national and political sanity," considering that "Christians have a responsibility to agree, as through their agreement they can achieve their choices within this system, as long as their choice is national." He stated in a press conference: "We are working towards the election of a president who resembles us, and our party has drafted a preliminary list of names without endorsing or nominating any of them, and without clinging to any one of them; we chose them on the basis that they are better than others, at least better than what is being proposed, and we have started a round of communications with MPs and blocs."
Basil viewed that "the system began at the end of the term to implement its plan for exclusion and undermining partnership," adding: "It is true that the priority is to elect a president, but this is not enough; it requires a 'presidential priorities program' to be implemented by the president with the government and in cooperation with the parliament, which necessitates consensus and partnership; without them, there is no horizon or solution."
Regarding the relationship with Hezbollah, Basil said: "We are in agreement with the 'Party' on resistance, but we disagree on the priority of building the state, and there are questions about the behavior related to respecting partnership." He argued that "the army commander violates defense and public accountability laws, usurps the powers of the Minister of Defense, and acts arbitrarily with millions in a private fund and military properties, while the Prime Minister has issued illegal decisions, the latest of which was placing general directors at his disposal."
Basil stated: "An incapable and lame government is ruling the country as if the situation is normal. 'We will not budge until we get the president we want,' and a controlling system that refuses to reform the country rules politically through the abuse of the constitution and laws."
