The caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that "if it weren't for the support provided by the Lebanese diaspora to the people of the homeland, the impact of the crisis facing Lebanon would have been more painful and severe." He affirmed that "the expatriates are the lungs through which Lebanon breathes, thanks to their competitive professional experiences, recognized efficiency and leadership, even by their fiercest competitors. Also, due to their wide network of relationships, and their ability to connect, pressure, and influence decision-making centers, especially in economic, financial, industrial, and technological sectors in the countries of the diaspora."
During his speech at the third expatriate economy conference, held amid the ongoing presidential vacancy crisis without any signs of resolution, Mikati pointed out that "after the concerned internal parties entrenched themselves behind positions that are non-retractable, and after external mediations also entered a circle of stagnation until further notice, the government continues to manage state affairs, public facilities, and serve citizens, striving as much as possible to meet legitimate demands according to the constitutional powers that require it to convene and manage affairs." Mikati noted that the government "is almost the only constitutional institution that still ensures the continuity of the state and its institutions after systematic disruptions infiltrated all other institutions, due to the political calculations and complications that control their work," adding: "Our government will not falter in fulfilling its duties, and will continue to strive to alleviate the severity of the cumulative crises that have persisted for many years, and we still work despite the limited resources available to reduce the burden of these crises."
He continued: "What we have done so far does not meet our ambitions and certainly does not satisfy the aspirations of the Lebanese people, but the reality forces us to adopt a systematic methodology for solutions in phases, starting with alleviating the severity of the electricity, gasoline, and medicine crises, and eliminating the scenes of queues that have exhausted the Lebanese, culminating in the movement we are witnessing in the country, which could not have been achieved without security stability and revitalizing some economic sectors that we are currently witnessing."
Mikati expressed that the government's continued efforts "do not align with the ambitions of the parties seeking to generalize the void, either under the pretext of rebuilding institutions according to imbalances that constitute a coup against the constitution and its spirit, or to pressure for achieving factional gains or claiming popular successes." He emphasized that "the government is not responsible for the presidential vacuum or for the renewed political conflicts among the political components, nor is it the reason hindering the election of a new president of the republic."
In this context, Mikati confirmed that "the team entrenched behind an alleged preservation of presidential powers is the same one that has practiced obstruction for years and continues to escalate the proven accusations against it by attributing them to others, while consistently seeking to disrupt the government's work and criticize its decisions. Conversely, there are those who are enchanted by opposition positions, targeting the government's work to gain fictitious popularity, as if the country can withstand further discussions and fruitless controversies."
He stated: "I have risen above the fabrications and accusations directed at the government and at me personally, out of my conviction in the correctness of the work we are doing for the benefit of the country. And if some consider this stance as weakness or clinging to the position, they are very mistaken, and even more mistaken are those who believe they can exercise guardianship over the government's work, dictating in advance what should be done and what the prohibitions and restrictions are, according to what is leaked directly or indirectly."
Mikati added: "We, in the government, are mindful of the existing reality in the country, the gravity of the situation, and its risks. We understand that people are tired of debates and campaigns, but we will not accept guardianship or dominance over us. The constitution is clear in text and spirit, and we adhere to its provisions and do not program our work according to the whims and desires of some."
He addressed the opponents: "Elect a new president as quickly as possible, so that all fabricated issues are resolved. Have mercy on the people and stop creating tensions and pointless debates. Cease the trend of negativity and the mode of obstruction and sectarian incitement; we recently passed through a 'critical phase' that we managed to overcome through the wisdom and awareness of the concerned parties. Have mercy on the people who are patient with their pains and who struggle daily to secure their livelihood and life. No people have endured a quarter of what our people endure and managed to remain steadfast."
He concluded: "This is the hallmark of the Lebanese, who always rise above despair, possessing the qualities of love for neutrality and the determination to rise again."
