In light of the intensified threats of constitutional chaos recently and the ongoing struggle over government formation, the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gibran Bassil, visited Bkerke to gain psychological, moral, and spiritual support from the Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. He confirmed to him that accepting a government lacking parliamentary and popular legitimacy is unacceptable, stating, “God help us with what they are preparing,” emphasizing that the system would not be lenient with him just days after President Michel Aoun's term ended.
During this time, President Michel Aoun has been sending multiple messages to the pillars of the system through his recent appearances. A new round of confrontation will commence from Rabieh and will be fiercer this time, particularly against President Nabih Berri and former Minister Walid Jumblatt. The main theme is “continuing the battle he is waging until the end,” and he will be “more intense in his escalation” after freeing himself from the responsibilities imposed by the presidential position.
Sources close to the situation reveal Bassil's fears regarding his political opponents, specifically the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his supporter Berri, as their primary goal is to weaken his party in the upcoming phase. He is approaching the confrontation from the standpoint that he has nothing to lose, especially since the presidency ended without him being able to secure the share he desired in the government.
On the other hand, Mikati appears "configured," just two days before he assumes presidential duties. He enjoys the support of the Speaker of the House and is backed by both Arab and Western support, primarily from Egypt and also from the United States and France. These countries involved in the Lebanese file do not want to see any governmental vacuum alongside the presidential vacancy.
According to information from "Akhbar Al-Yawm," Mikati will visit Bkerke soon to reassure the Maronite Patriarch about not infringing upon the powers of the presidency. He will also collaborate with everyone to manage the period of vacancy until a new president is elected.
All this happens as Aoun prepares to leave the Baabda Palace tomorrow amid provocative slogans and marches being planned to traverse various regions, especially in Baabda, Metn, and Kesrouan. Some express astonishment at the reasons behind all these movements, fearing a potential scheme that could lead to chaos or conflicts in a region hosting rival forces. It is acknowledged that the start of the vacancy signals a difficult and possibly tragic phase for the nation, which does not warrant celebration or festivity unless it reflects an expression of internal tension.
