The disagreement and debate between the caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) has resurfaced regarding Mikati's preparations for an agenda to convene a Cabinet session. The FPM firmly rejects this idea so far, while Mikati is trying to establish necessary items that must be approved by the Cabinet, hoping the FPM will agree to them. So far, the FPM remains opposed, and the dispute between the two parties is escalating, starting from the controversy over the Defense Minister's signature on the decree for social assistance to military personnel, with his clear condition that the decree be approved with the signatures of 24 ministers. Following the approval of this decree, the FPM accused Mikati of forgery and fraud, prompting responses from the Prime Minister's sources that essential decisions affecting the public cannot be obstructed. Meanwhile, the FPM is hinting at resorting to a challenge before the Constitutional Council concerning these decrees that have been issued.
According to "Al-Modon," the dispute is extending to the electricity file, which has also led to extensive debates between the two sides. This ongoing argument continues as Mikati seeks to include an agenda item for approving a loan for the electricity sector as a way to entice the FPM, given that this matter is related to the Ministry of Energy.
Based on this clear division in positions, the relationship between the FPM and Hezbollah will face a new test related to the party’s stance on the involvement of its ministers in the government session. No one will be able to facilitate the session's convening except Hezbollah, as its position will determine its progress and fate. Of course, the party does not want to provoke Christians or the FPM, but at the same time, it emphasizes the need for de-escalation and the smooth running of the state’s affairs to the minimum extent.
In this equation, everyone will be in need of Hezbollah's stance, whether the FPM, which wants to prevent the session from convening, or the Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who wants to hold it. It is important to note that Bassil has been clear in his positions, stating that if the party agrees to hold the session, it would mean that the country is in an existential crisis concerning the charter and partnership. This would impose new rules for the Mar Mikhael understanding between the two sides.
