The Lebanese Presidency believes that the artificial momentum created by some in approaching the issue of government formation has no prospect if it does not take the unique constitutional path, as stipulated in Article 53 of the Lebanese Constitution.
The Media Office of the Lebanese Presidency issued the following statement:
At a time when Lebanese citizens are looking forward to forming a new government, devoted to addressing the deteriorating economic and social conditions of their country, especially that 10 months have passed since the resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government and 8 months since Prime Minister Saad Hariri was commissioned to form a government, also at a time when the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel Aoun, is showing keenness to facilitate this task, we occasionally read statements from different sides that interfere in the formation process, ignoring, intentionally or unintentionally, what the constitution stipulates regarding the mechanism that must be followed to form the government. It is summarized by the essential agreement of the President of the Republic and designated Prime Minister who are exclusively concerned with the formation process and issuance of related decrees.
There are evidences that have recently emerged, and have contradicted constitutional rules and established principles. As such, we are thankful for the efforts of all sides who volunteered to help form the government. However, we ask them to solely rely on the constitution and abide by its stipulations, rather than expand its interpretation, and establish new norms and rules that do not converge with it. Otherwise, their efforts would be in harmony with those who are obstructing and blocking the process of formation.
There are evidences that have recently emerged, and have contradicted constitutional rules and established principles.
The Presidency of the Republic reacted to many of the proposals that were presented to achieve a natural formation of government. The Presidency overlooked many offences, misdemeanors, and direct targeting of it. The Presidency also believes that the artificial momentum created by some in approaching the issue of government formation has no prospect if it does not take the unique constitutional path, as stipulated in Article 53, paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Lebanese Constitution.
Finally, we must ask, do these positions that obstruct the formation process serve the interests of Lebanese citizens who are mired down in an unprecedented living and economic crisis? Do they answer their urgent humanitarian and social needs, to which there are no serious solution, except through a new rescue government?
