Abboud talks to LBCI about stability of FPM, Hezbollah alliance

The penultimate cabinet session raised a key question on the solidity of the alliance between the FPM and Hezbollah: Will the recent differences over Charbel Nahhas’ plan on wage adjustment herald a new phase between two allies that share a memorandum of understanding, which many believe the FPM has paid dearly to preserve. Despite the difficulties the alliance has faced together, it now seems that the FPM’s ally has abandoned it when faced with an issue viewed as a high priority by Aoun’s party.   

Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud listed many examples of the difficulties that Aoun’s ministers face during each cabinet session when it comes to taking decisions to run the citizens’ affairs.   

Abboud confirmed to LBCI that “there is no going back,” adding that “at the same time, the Change and Reform bloc cannot but be honest with itself.”     

Abboud added that the bloc’s positions are clear; “it is making  great sacrifices for its allies and expects to be treated the same.”     

Abboud added that “all requests emerging from a ministry that is less friendly with the premier are impeded,” adding that the main problem lies between the bloc and the cabinet, its general secretariat and employees.     

Abboud confirmed that “all clauses related to the bloc are the last to be signed; whereas those related to Hezbollah are top priority.”    

The tourism minister recalled that “a noble resistance requires a noble judgment.”