Christian political actors have different views on cabinet meeting

In a country like Lebanon, political and constitutional factors coexist with sectarian aspects; thus, the call made by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to hold a cabinet session has sparked controversy. 

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai's stance in this regard was made during his Sunday sermon. The patriarch emphasized that the president's election avoids any institutional conflict.

The Free Patriotic Movement has clarified its position and emphasizes the need to uphold the Constitution's provisions fully. Thus, it rejects any attempt to give the caretaker government the authority of the Acting President of the Republic. The party has described Mikati's move as unconstitutional, adding that it promotes the extension of the presidential vacuum.

To prevent a potential breach of the Constitution and the Charter, former president Michel Aoun issued a warning and urged the Ministers to adopt a unified stance against derogation from the Constitution's provisions. The former president added that any jurisprudence would clearly violate the constants of the Document of National Reconciliation.

The Lebanese Forces do not approach their reluctance and refusal to convene the Council of Ministers from a sectarian-political principle. They believe the focus must be on the presidential election and its completion.

The Kataeb Party stressed the urgent need to elect a president immediately and not get used to the concept of a presidential vacuum. Therefore the Kataeb Party is not in favor of convening it.

However, Marada Movement believes that people's issues should not be linked to sectarian aspects, adding that subject is irrelevant to the powers of the president, where those who want to preserve the authority of the president are supposed to expedite his election.

The session will take place despite the absence of several Christian ministers. Only the election of a president would stop disagreements.

 

 

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