The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed that "the organized and ongoing media campaigns and personal insults will not succeed in blaming us for the hell they promised us or in discouraging us." He emphasized the necessity of "restoring the regular constitutional work, electing a president for the republic, and approving a series of appointments in essential and sensitive institutions to maintain at least a minimum of stability and approve the required reforms."
Mikati's remarks came during the Islamic Orphanage's iftar, where he indicated that "we will not accept to be suicide bombers or victims of the plots of the unscrupulous and irresponsible."
Regarding the recent decision from the Cabinet session concerning the return to daylight saving time, Mikati stated, "We witnessed the ugliest manifestations of reckless sectarian discourse a few days ago, as if some have not learned from what our country has gone through, or they are nostalgic for the painful periods of division," urging the concerned authorities to address the repercussions of what happened and to mend the rift. He continued: "These firm principles in our political vision, which drive us to address issues wisely, have never led us to compromise or concede the presence, role, and rights of the fundamental component we represent. This is not in the context of sectarian proposals, but Lebanon is governed by sectarian consensus. When everyone talks about the rights of sects, we must protect the rights of Sunnis in Lebanon as a core component and enhance their presence for them to play their national role in defending the unity of the country and adhering to the larger national interest."
He pointed out that "the collective national will will drive everyone to cooperate with us to pass through this difficult phase and begin the necessary treatments." Mikati warned that the country has exhausted its resources and is beginning to lose its ability to resist and recover, saying: "We managed the affairs of the state at the least possible cost, held parliamentary elections, signed a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund, and completed the relevant reform bills that are now with the Parliament."
He concluded: "Our government is managing affairs and conducting them within the minimum constitutional limits available, and is acting as the guardian of the entity and institutions, but the continuous neglect of political forces of their constitutional duties places the country at the risk of complete dissolution, and this is something we will not accept to be held responsible for on behalf of others."