A heated debate erupted between the Amal Movement and the Independence Movement. The dispute began with comments from Amal leader Nabih Berri, who stated, "Our candidate is serious, and we have confirmed this repeatedly. As for their candidate, he is nothing more than an experimental tube.” The serious candidate, according to Berri, is Sleiman Franjieh, the head of the Marada Movement, while the "their candidate” refers to the candidate of the opposing team, Michel Mouawad from the Independence Movement, who responded sharply to Berri, deeming his remarks an insult to the late President René Mouawad and to all the MPs and blocs that voted for Mouawad.
Mouawad attempted to corner Franjieh, suggesting that the insult extends to Zgharta, Zaoura, and the North, which Franjieh represents in parliament, questioning whether Franjieh accepts insult to Zgharta, Zaoura, and the North as Berri has done. Franjieh chose to remain silent regarding Berri's comments and did not respond to Mouawad's remarks, where he labeled Berri as the godfather of Franjieh. However, Mouawad’s response did not go unanswered as Berri's political aide, MP Ali Hassan Khalil, countered that they understand Mouawad's feelings after realizing he has become a political experimental tube in the laboratory of those who nominated him and laughed at him.
Meanwhile, presidential candidate Sleiman Franjieh reaffirmed his strong relationship with Hezbollah and President Nabih Berri, seeking to be close to various political forces, according to his statements in a private chat. The leader of the Marada Movement refuted all claims of targeting Christians, asserting that no one targets them more than they do themselves, from before the Taif Accord until now. Franjieh is largely convinced that he will reach the presidency due to developments abroad, stating that he has not received any veto from any side so far. The French do not oppose his arrival, the Americans do not impose a veto on his election, and he has not received any Saudi objection, although he also has not received any Saudi approval.
Financially, following the Central Bank of Lebanon's decision to raise the Sayrafa exchange rate to 70,000 LBP for one dollar, the exchange rate of the dollar on the black market decreased, along with prices of fuel and goods in supermarkets, while electricity and mobile bills are expected to rise. While waiting to assess the effectiveness of this decision in reducing the dollar and maintaining its decline, along with the extent to which banks adhere to it, attention turns to the general assembly of the Banks Association, where the fate of their strike will be determined after addressing the points that led them to close, "legally."
Additionally, the Supreme Judicial Council convened yesterday at the Palace of Justice to discuss the case of Judge Ghada Aoun and the judicial developments that have occurred in recent days. Reports indicate that Aoun attended the meeting after meeting with the Public Prosecutor of Cassation, Judge Ghassan Ouiedat, and handing him a memorandum.
On the banking-financial front, members of the Strong Republic bloc, MPs Said Asmar, Antoine Habchi, and Fadi Karam (through his lawyer Antoine Shahade), filed a report to the Public Prosecution in Lebanon against the Al-Qard Al-Hassan institution, detailing the legal reasons involved. Following that, Strong Republic bloc member MP Antoine Habchi tweeted, "The judiciary is now facing a new test. Those who demand a state must demand a judiciary based on justice and independence."
In daily life, while the Electricité du Liban announced it has begun implementing the first phase of the national emergency plan to remove violations from the electrical grid, in coordination with security forces—starting with inspecting 216 main lines out of 800 across all Lebanese governorates—Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram revealed that "today he signed decrees for wage increases and transportation allowances in the private sector, which have been sent to the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, and meetings are open to get through whatever difficulties arise on the basis that what cannot be completely addressed should not be abandoned altogether."
On another note, amidst the absence of official measures to curb the green currency's price by the Lebanese state, officials are also unable to take any serious political action. In this context, the International Support Group for Lebanon issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding the implications of the persisting presidential vacuum, now entering its fifth month, amidst a lack of reforms, rigid stances, and increasing polarization. It urged "political leaders and parliament members to take responsibility and act according to the constitution and respect the Taif Accord by electing a new president without further delay." It added, "The current situation is unsustainable, paralyzing the state at all levels and severely limiting its ability to face urgent social, economic, financial, security, and humanitarian challenges, while undermining public trust in state institutions amid escalating crises."
The statement continued: "After eleven months since Lebanon reached an expert-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund, Lebanon has not yet concluded a financial program with the Fund. Accelerating the approval of necessary laws to restore confidence in the banking sector and unify exchange rates is vital to stop social and economic deterioration." The International Support Group for Lebanon also reaffirmed its ongoing support for Lebanon and its people.
On another front, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received a letter from Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, thanking him on behalf of the Syrian government and himself for the support and assistance provided by brotherly Lebanon, which greatly alleviated the consequences of the disaster following the earthquake. He added, "I confirm that this humanitarian stance sincerely expresses the authenticity of the Lebanese people."
