Former President Michel Aoun and the Free Patriotic Movement insisted on concluding the year with a dispute reminiscent of the conflicts they engaged in throughout the six years of his presidency. In a televised interview, Aoun attacked everyone, both right and left, and the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri received his share of criticism. However, Berri was quick to respond, reminding the former president of the "hell" his reign has led the country into. Meanwhile, Aoun's party targeted Prime Minister Najib Mikati, accusing him of "forging" decrees.
This renewed political sparring follows a period of calm, which prompted Development and Liberation bloc member MP Qassem Hashem to question the rationale behind Aoun's attacks at a time when the Lebanese are experiencing their worst days, amidst chaos caused by skyrocketing prices, fluctuating dollar rates, speculative trading through the "Sayrafa" platform, and the return of humiliating queues for fuel, in addition to the drug shortages and the abolition of subsidies with medication being sold at exorbitant prices, and the decline in health services to below zero. In an interview with the electronic "Anbaa" newspaper, Hashem emphasized that "there is a time and place for everything," suggesting that Aoun's words warranted Berri's response. He stated that, as usual, they try to blame others for their failures, but this tactic is familiar and not surprising.
Hashem accused Aoun and his political team of disrespecting the constitution and failing to uphold the law while inciting sectarian sentiments and attempting to enforce sectarianism even among lower-tier employees. He expressed astonishment at this disdain towards the Lebanese populace and the manipulation of their memories. Regarding the presidential issue and the possibility of a dialogue being called, Hashem affirmed that "there is absolutely nothing new, and all that is being circulated in the media is merely wishful thinking."
For his part, former MP Anis Nassar expressed surprise that "yesterday's allies have turned into today's foes." He pointed out that after the Shiite duo granted Aoun, Gebran Bassil, and the Free Patriotic Movement seven seats and provided them with a substantial parliamentary bloc capable of obstructing government formation and presidential elections, they are now airing their grievances through mutual accusations. In an interview with the "Anbaa" newspaper, Nassar questioned the bundle of laws passed by Parliament, particularly those related to judicial independence, which remain untouched in the presidential palace's drawers. He said, "Those who seek reforms and fight corruption do not engage in the shady business of granting Lebanese citizenship to undeserving individuals so that the caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati can annul this decree."
Nassar saw no resolution in the presidential file, suggesting that the name of the president may not be among those currently rumored, asserting that Lebanon can only find salvation through external forces that would prosecute the corrupt and enforce security across the entire country.
In addition, the Lebanese people are welcoming the new year amid countless and uncountable calamities. Days before New Year's Eve, citizens lined up at gas stations and banks, as the dollar fluctuated wildly within hours, thus bidding farewell to a year that will only change in title, while the suffering remains unchanged. A new crisis has also emerged between the Ministries of Finance and Energy, expected to impact the electricity sector. After a quantity of fuel arrived near Lebanon's shores following an agreement between the Ministry of Energy and the Central Bank to provide a loan to Electricité du Liban, the Ministry of Finance refused to authorize the central bank to open credits, claiming that the amount requires a decree signed by the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, which is not available, and Electricité du Liban has not signed any commitment to return the loan, according to "Finance."
Consequently, the Lebanese will end their year with futile battles devoid of any purpose besides reopening old disputes to press for better sectoral conditions, far from national interests, and enter a new year burdened with unresolved issues carried over past New Year's.
