In Lebanon, the likelihood of a breakthrough in the government formation process has diminished significantly, mainly due to the escalation in the positions of the concerned parties in recent hours, just hours before the end of President Michel Aoun's term. The disagreement between Aoun's team and the appointed Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding the constitutionality of the caretaker government's assumption of presidential powers threatens a constitutional chaos, which many fear could lead to security chaos.
All efforts made by Hezbollah in recent days to bridge the gap between Mikati and the president of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gibran Bassil, have failed, although those close to him still hope for a breakthrough in the last quarter hour, specifically tomorrow, Monday, due to the focus of Aoun's supporters on accompanying their leader out of the presidential palace.
Government sources involved have ruled out the success of any new attempts to form a government, stating to Asharq Al-Awsat, "President Mikati has been clear; either the formation is based on components that make the government productive and capable of handling the caretaker tasks, or we will not accept a government as an alternative for those missing the presidency." The sources added, "We do not plan to challenge or provoke anyone, but the constitution is clear. If a government is not formed, the current government will undertake caretaker responsibilities, and any proposals otherwise fall into the realm of a futile debate that will not lead to results. The government will continue to fulfill its duties until the parliament decides to fulfill its obligation of electing a president," criticizing the portrayal of the issue as a governmental problem despite it being about presidential elections that should have occurred before Aoun's term ended.
For his part, member of the Strong Lebanon bloc, MP Ghassan Atallah, told Asharq Al-Awsat in response to the possibility of forming a government in the coming hours, "We are still praying for the guidance of some minds, as responsibility ultimately requires that the official be up to it, unless there are bad intentions, and, as our information indicates, a plot for chaos to improve negotiating conditions for some."
Regarding whether there is an intention from the Aounist camp to escalate in the streets and keep the tents set up in the courtyard of Baabda Palace after Aoun's term ends, Atallah said, "Expect a lot from us, for we will not allow our 30 years of struggle and effort to go to waste through surrendering the rights we have reclaimed," noting that "in 1990 (when Aoun was ousted in a Syrian military operation), the Aounists were alone, and the whole world was against them. Today, however, the situation is different, and Hezbollah ministers, as well as other Christian ministers and others including Amin Salam, will not accept to participate in upcoming government meetings."
It is apparent that things are not heading towards political stability. According to informed sources within Hezbollah, "the chances of formation are diminishing, and the next phase will be faced by the party and Bassil in solidarity." The sources added to Asharq Al-Awsat, "The situation is open to all possibilities, including very bad ones."
