During the second consecutive day of legislative sessions in Parliament, where members gathered to discuss the agenda and review various law proposals, a bill modifying the first and second clauses of Article 42 of the National Defense Law concerning the military academy was approved.
The session was marked by a verbal exchange triggered by discussions over the military academy bill. MP Paula Yacoubian voted on the relevant clause, after which several MPs queried if she had reconciled with Defense Minister Michel Manso. She sharply replied, "No, he is rude, and I do not wish to reconcile with him."
This led to a heated argument during the session between MPs Paula Yacoubian and Adeeb Abdel Massih, as the latter deemed Yacoubian's remarks disrespectful towards the Defense Minister, resulting in an exchange of shouts before the legislative proceedings resumed.
The discord between MP Paula Yacoubian and Defense Minister General Michel Manso originated from a parliamentary question by Yacoubian regarding the non-promotion of military personnel killed in action, asserting that the National Defense Law mandates their automatic promotion.
The minister's response was brief, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to upholding the National Defense Law and honoring fallen soldiers, dismissing any claims of oversight, and asserting that the ministry had the final say on such matters.
However, Yacoubian found the response lacking a legal explanation for not implementing the law’s provisions. She noted that mentioning "oversight" undermines MPs' right to question the government and exercise their oversight role.
Consequently, Yacoubian labeled the response "shocking and contrary to the norms of constitutional dialogue," announcing her intention to escalate her question into an official inquiry, thereby keeping the option of a vote of no confidence open for future consideration.