Former Deputy Prime Minister Ghassan Hasbani has criticized Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri’s speech on Saturday, stating that it failed to introduce any fresh ideas to resolve the ongoing presidential stalemate in Lebanon.
The Lebanese Forces MP emphasized the opposition’s proactive efforts to break the deadlock. “We put forward a roadmap for the presidency that includes two approaches,” Hasbani explained. “Either consultation under the dome of Parliament without the presidency of Berri or any institutionalization of consecutive days and open sessions without breaking the quorum, or Berri appoints a session for the presidential election. If a president is not elected, the quorum stands, and we proceed with consultations followed by successive sessions until a president is chosen.”
In a revealing interview with Al-Hadath, Hasbani expressed frustration with the lack of engagement from certain political blocs, saying, “We were flexible and open to suggestions, and our proposal was discussed with 98 out of 128 MPs in the Parliament, excluding the Amal and Hezbollah blocs, who refused to engage in dialogue on this critical matter.”
Hasbani further asserted, “The Parliament remains closed, and if Berri is sincere, he should call for a session to elect a president, allowing us to take the necessary steps to fill the position through successive sessions as he suggested.”
Hasbani highlighted the opposition’s willingness to compromise, noting that nearly two years have passed since the presidential vacuum, and while they have shifted to a middle ground, abandoning their initial candidate and proposing alternative approaches, the other side remains rigid in its stance.
He also pointed out the lack of initiative from the Hezbollah-Amal alliance, suggesting they are waiting for the opposition to concede due to political exhaustion. “We reject any preconditions for the presidential elections, particularly those that exceed constitutional boundaries. They insist on Sleiman Frangieh’s nomination, but we will not support it. If they believe he is the right choice, they should organize parliamentary sessions, secure a majority, and elect him.”
