The head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," Deputy Gebran Basil, succeeded in breaking the stalemate imposed by the Christmas holiday, starting with a meeting with Deputy Walid Jumblatt, and extending to what has been leaked about meetings with the leader of the Marada Movement and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, along with announcing his proposal for an initiative at the beginning of the next year. Some have considered that Basil is trying to emerge from isolation, which a source from the movement denied, stating, through "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, that Basil was never in isolation, but some believed he alone could produce a president for the republic, only to find out otherwise.
The source added, "Hezbollah's position was clear in agreeing with President Nabih Berri to proceed with the white paper, and they know that Basil does not operate under any prior agreement on a candidate." In this context, the source reminded that Basil's call for dialogue is not new; he had called for it even before the end of President Michel Aoun's term, and he has not proposed names but rather frameworks of action regarding the presidency and the upcoming six-year phase, which includes the government that needs to be formed, the type of ministers, and its work program, along with what needs to be agreed upon to improve the economic, monetary, financial, and social conditions, in addition to rearranging internal relations among local forces and external relations.
In response to a question, the source stated, "It is not true that Basil proposed names of candidates for the presidency during his meetings in Qatar; rather, he spoke about the rescue plans for after the election," noting that the movement's head does not wait for signals from abroad but considers filling the vacancy in the presidency urgent, as waiting or delaying poses a risk, exemplified by the holding of a cabinet session, where anything affecting the presidency and the Christian role in power in Lebanon is a red line that must not be crossed.
In the same context, the source denied what some say that Basil is seeking a share in power, emphasizing that he is not talking about the movement's participation in governance but is proposing a general vision for the Lebanese state, as it cannot continue in its current state. Regarding the presidential specifications proposed by the movement, the source clarified that the president alone does not perform miracles; thus, foundational agreements must be made to encourage concerned countries with Lebanon's file to engage with it based on specific concepts.
Regarding the meetings held by Basil, the source indicated that many meetings occur both publicly and privately, involving several parties, including reformists, with which the movement and reformists agree on several reform points, and shared visions, reiterating that in politics, one cannot close doors on anyone. Here, the source mentioned that Basil had invited Christian forces to agree under the umbrella of Bkerke, but the Forces refused.
He concluded by affirming that there is nothing directed against any individual concerning the presidential elections, as the main concern is how to stop the collapse starting from the presidency. It can be said that Basil is fulfilling his national duties, which include opening up to all parties and listening to their proposals.
