Berri attempts to reach consensual transportation fees formula

The parliament kicked off its general legislative session on Wednesday with 19 articles on its agenda.  Reducing the prison year to nine months and installing underground power cables will also be discussed during today's session.      

It was reported that Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri have reached a political agreement over upcoming appointments suggesting “Nahhas’ head in return for the post of Higher Judicial Council chief.” 

The session began with a moment of silent in honor for the two MPs, Nasib lahoud and Ali Ahmad Jaafar, who both passed away recently. During the session, Berri postponed discussions pertaining to the issue of a 8,900 billion LBP credit to cover expenses.  

Lebanese Forces bloc MP Antoine Zahra sarcastically described the current political situation as “fantastic”, adding “they can go fly a kite”. Zahra voiced hope that the session will begin with the constitutional interpretation of the principle that should be adopted to sign decrees. Zhare said that article 66 of the constitution has been wrongly interpreted, adding that the president should not be bound by a deadline.  

MP Robert Ghanem criticized the executive authority for waiting for the events occurring outside of Lebanon. Berri met with PM Najib Mikati prior to the session to find an exit to the transportation fees issue.

Exclusive sources told LBCI that Speaker Berri is currently trying to reach a consensual formula between the two transportation proposals of MPs Ibrahim Kenaan and Nabil de Freij.