In a scathing attack on the government, Leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, declared that the government 'has achieved nothing' and announced the opposition's readiness for an 'open confrontation' before the public on several issues ranging from war, weapons, and framework agreement to the amnesty law and reform laws.
During a press conference titled 'Opposition Questions the Government,' Bassil stated that the present government will exit under the name of the rescue from reform, highlighting that only 12 responses were received to interrogations, which account for just 25%. He added, 'It would have been better had these answers not come due to their shortcomings and inaccuracies.'
He emphasized the importance of the Chamber of Deputies, asserting that it should not only be about legislation but also oversight, as per its dual roles. Bassil referred to Article 136, which mandates a session for questions and answers or interrogations after every three working sessions, stating this as a right of deputies and an obligation for the parliament.
Bassil detailed how his party has officially requested a session to question and interrogate the government, committing to repeat the effort due to inadequate responses that he described as flawed and embarrassing, with ministers providing contradictory figures.
He labeled the Syrian displacement issue as a 'scandal even betrayal,' calling into question the efficacy of parliamentary oversight if accountability and the opposition's role are eliminated.
Bassil pointed out his stance on the exclusive authority of the state over arms and negotiations, demanding an ultimate ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal, and reconstruction, while emphasizing the parliament’s right to oversee and ensure the government’s sound negotiation activities.
Regarding a "secret security annex" allegedly leaked, he questioned its authenticity and necessity for parliamentary or cabinet approval, stressing that the aim is to fortify rather than hinder negotiations.
Ending with the amnesty law issue, Bassil reiterated his party’s known stance against blanket amnesty, citing security concerns and perpetual crime encouragement, while announcing steps to challenge the amnesty law and certain governmental actions on constitutional grounds.
In terms of reform laws, Bassil criticized the independence of the judiciary law as undermined, accusing the financial and political system of dereliction following the 2019 crisis, and describing the government and its influencers as detrimental to reform.