In the upcoming period, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati will not take any uncalculated steps that might provoke the Christian faction in the country, according to informed political sources to "Al-Markaziah." He will not provide the Free Patriotic Movement with any gift that they are eagerly awaiting, which could lead to escalation and an attempt to play the role of the targeted party, raising alarms under the banner of "religious loyalty."
According to the sources, Mikati understands the sensitivity of the current situation amid the vacancy in the presidency. He will manage affairs minimally to ensure the continued operation of public facilities and to address citizens' needs, neither more nor less. He emphasized on Sunday evening that he "does not seek confrontation with anyone," underscoring that "the constitution does not permit presidential vacancy." He stated, "Today, there is a vacancy in the presidential position, and the constitution is clear that the government assumes the powers of the president. I will not call for a Cabinet meeting unless in the utmost necessity. I do not desire problems, and we have enough issues to deal with. I am very keen on keeping all ministers, and our meetings will only be for national interest."
Yesterday, he traveled to Algeria to represent Lebanon at the Arab Summit and showed concern to be accompanied by two ministers affiliated with the presidential team, namely Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and Energy Minister Walid Fayyad. This notable step aims to block any potential "Orange" escalation and send goodwill messages to the Christian faction, cooling their concerns.
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Peter Rai expressed his discomfort with the current political situation, stating in his Sunday sermon, "With the end of the term of His Excellency President Michel Aoun, we bid farewell to him and wish him well and success after a long life in various military and national positions, culminating in the presidency, which he leaves today without handing it over to a successor or a fully empowered government. His term was not easy; it was fraught with dangers and difficult circumstances." He questioned, "Do you realize the magnitude of your responsibility for causing two vacancies: the vacancy of the presidency and the vacancy of a fully empowered government, both of which constitute the executive authority in the state? Do you understand that by doing this, you aggravate the political crisis and the economic, financial, social, and living crises?"
He continued, "How will you face our hungry people's revolution and anger? Do not think that the State of Lebanon can function without a president!"
Based on this, the sources indicate that Mikati will "calibrate" his decisions and steps carefully in the coming phase. He will keep communication channels open between himself, the Amal Movement, Hezbollah, the Socialist Party, and Bkerke, in order to avoid any missteps and navigate this period with minimal costs. After the session for reading former President Michel Aoun's message to Parliament next Thursday, the effects of this "Aounist" step will end with no results. Mikati will not provide this group with any material they could exploit against him to put obstacles in the way of "Together for Rescue," the sources conclude.
