In the salons of "the councils of trust", all names are being considered for presidential candidacy. The "regional-international quintet" made up of influential countries in Lebanese affairs (the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar) is moving towards a solution that aims to achieve "nothing better than what has been", and it will resume its activities after Eid al-Fitr and Easter with greater momentum to learn about the thoughts of party leaders and their candidates.
Currently circulating is a proposal for a new initiative from an active MP who is engaging with all stakeholders. This initiative includes lifting the "veto" on all candidates being discussed, with the aim of agreeing on two or three to compete in open rounds in the parliamentary council for electing a president. However, the Christian leaders are adamant in their refusal to lift the "veto" on a key candidate, while another is also rejected by the "Free Patriotic Movement", which complicates the initiative's path. A piece of advice was given to the dynamic MP involved to focus on "third-choice candidates" and not to limit his efforts to a candidate who has not yet announced his intention to run in the presidential race.
