So far, no breach or progress has been recorded that could herald the imminent formation of a government; there are no communications, meetings, or mediating efforts being documented, whether pushed by Hezbollah or others to pressure their allies to facilitate the task of the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Conversely, those who are counting on “obstruction and stubbornness” to overturn political equations at the last moment of the mandate are mistaken.
In fact, some believe that Mikati will not hesitate to corner President Michel Aoun and MP Gebran Bassil at every opportunity that benefits him and counts as a political point for him. What close associates of the designated Prime Minister say is: "The source of the obstruction shows the intent of the presidency not to form a government, as the shifting and changing demands to grant the blocking third to Aoun and Bassil completely invalidate accusations of obstruction against Mikati."
During his meeting with Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Aoun seemed to convey that he does not want a government, stating: "The absolute priority should currently be to elect a new president of the republic because the existence of a president is essential for forming a new government, not vice versa."
Meanwhile, sources close to Aoun indicated in a communication with "Akhabr Al-Yawm" agency that the context expressed by the president is the vital criterion for the quality of the upcoming government and the new president, focusing on enabling the constitution, reclaiming the state from corruption mafias, reviving the economy, and launching reform, development, and reconstruction paths.
In this same context, a source in the "Free Patriotic Movement" stated that Mikati is trying to descend with his "parachute" stealthily into the Baabda Palace amid total confusion practiced by him and his team, which is practically completely abandoning the proper management of public affairs in favor of maneuvering that has nothing to do with saving Lebanon from collapse. Along with his partner, President Nabih Berri, they are orchestrating an internal siege in a conspiratorial mindset against the president and his surrounding circles, so he ends up isolated and defeated; however, this remains, of course, just “wishes” for them.
Politically, observers indicate the necessity of forming a fully qualified government capable of assuming presidential powers to address imminent obligations, such as maritime border delineation and the Syrian displacement issue, and to continue negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. The task of delineation falls on the shoulders of a complete government, though this does not preclude the continuation of the President’s involvement.
