The head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gebran Bassil, stated in a press release that "any extension in public office undermines the law and the state." He emphasized their firm and principled position against such extensions, regardless of individuals involved. He noted that they opposed extensions for themselves in the past, including against General Jean Qahwaji in 2014, General Abbas Ibrahim in 2022, Colonel Marwan Sleilati in 2023, and Riad Salama, thus rejecting it today for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun as well.
He added that amending the law to extend for one particular person is illegal and could be annulled by the Constitutional Council, as it contradicts a basic principle of legislative universality. He argued that it is not part of necessary legislation, undermines the structure of the institution, and unjustly denies officers their rights. He addressed those who claimed to care for the institution by stating that it is false to suggest the army would divide if the extension does not occur, emphasizing that aid continues because it is directed to the institution, not to individuals, and that there is no vacuum in security institutions. He mentioned that there are many temporary legal solutions available, the best being that the highest-ranking officer, who is Christian, assume command for those who awaken to the rights of Christians; this is how the law operates and how military command principles function, as seen in other institutions like the General Security and the Internal Security Forces.
He also suggested that assignments should occur as in all state institutions and departments, with consensus on names. The appointment of the commander should be with the military council through decrees signed by 24 ministers as proposed by the Minister of Defense in agreement, rejecting claims that he proposed any alternatives or made deals.
Bassil viewed the proposed extension through delays in retirement as a violation of the law, particularly if discussed in the Cabinet. He noted that firstly, it is within the minister's jurisdiction, and secondly, if suggested by the Prime Minister without the minister's involvement, it undermines the constitutional position of the minister, all ministers, all sects, and both the constitution and the Taif Agreement.
Finally, he questioned why those who now recall the president's powers remain silent on hundreds of decrees signed solely by the Prime Minister instead of being signed by the President with the ministers, contrary to the constitution, and on dozens of sessions of the caretaker government, which should not even meet with agendas of numerous non-urgent items.
