Amid ongoing anticipation for the return of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati from New York to participate in tomorrow's parliamentary session to continue approving the 2022 budget project before the "hour of truth" regarding the contradictory atmospheres surrounding the prospects for forming a new government, discussions have oscillated between certainty that the decrees for formation will be issued next week and the belief that several devils still lurk in the details, which could lead to a "renewal of the powers" of the caretaker government after amendments involving around four of its ministers.
A notable position was expressed yesterday by the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Na'im Qasim, who stated, "Thank God, we may see a government next week." Qasim based his stance on the fact that "the foundations where there were many disagreements between the President and the Prime Minister have become very close to a degree that could facilitate, God willing, bringing the government to light, and this is a positive step that helps in preparing for presidential elections towards the solutions we want in Lebanon."
However, informed circles believe that Hezbollah's push to move forward with the government since the last speech of its Secretary-General, Mr. Hassan Nasrallah, is part of the party's vision that managing the impending vacuum and "controlling" its course and the timing for releasing the presidency becomes easier with a fully empowered government allowing for longer and more reassuring "sitting on the hill."
According to the same vision, allowing for "constitutional disruption" that could arise from the continuation of the caretaker government inheriting presidential powers, especially in light of President Michel Aoun's outright rejection of that, could lead to tensions beyond everyone's control and become the "de facto" situation that Hezbollah would navigate based on local calculations that are liable to "reformulation" and also shifting regional realities.
