The information and the positive atmosphere surrounding the formation of the government and the demarcation of the southern maritime borders are rapidly evolving, with the country entering a state of anticipation until the appointed Prime Minister Najib Mikati returns from New York to reveal the details he has gathered regarding these matters. Additionally, the American mediator Amos Hochstein is expected to return with information that could expedite the signing of the demarcation agreement. Amid all this, there was a joint stance from Saudi, American, and French officials in New York which stressed the importance of holding the Lebanese presidential elections on time, forming a government that implements the necessary structural and economic reforms to address the political and economic crisis, and adhering to international resolutions and the provisions of the Taif Agreement, which is entrusted with maintaining national unity and civil peace in Lebanon.
In light of the focus on the government and demarcation files, information from "Al-Jumhuriya" indicated that Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri intends to call for the first session to elect a president very soon. This move aims to hold all parliamentary blocs accountable regarding this constitutional entitlement and to counter the prevailing belief that a presidential vacuum has become inevitable and unavoidable.
Regarding the government file, informed sources confirmed to "Al-Jumhuriya" that "the optimism surrounding the formation of the government, which has recently increased, is still strong and in effect, and its materialization into facts awaits the return of Prime Minister Najib Mikati from New York."
Sources indicated that the formation of the new government is being closely monitored, with communications intensifying ahead of Mikati's return. After the parliamentary session to approve the general budget for the year 2022, scheduled for next Monday, Mikati will head to Baabda Palace to negotiate with President Michel Aoun regarding the proposed ministerial names. Notably, active communications are ongoing with the relevant political forces and the proposed names for change and to assume ministerial positions, paving the way for the four ministerial portfolios that are expected to undergo changes: the Ministry of the Displaced, for which a middle-ground name between Arslan and Jumblatt is being sought; the Economy, where the Development Bloc of Akkar has named its candidate; Finance, which is expected to be assigned to former MP Yassine Jaber; and the fourth portfolio, which is yet to be decided and remains a demand from Aoun for change.
