The initial optimism about a quick formation of the new government has waned and successive preconditions and obstacles have emerged, informed sources have said.
“Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil has returned to the blackmail approach that he used with ex-PM Saad Hariri, and the President is insisting on the interior and justice portfolios and the naming of the two Christian ministers,” the sources told the PSP’s al-Anbaa news portal in remarks published Sunday.
“A length governmental crisis will begin if the fourth meeting (on Monday) between (President Michel) Aoun and (PM-designate Najib) Miqati passes without positive indications pointing to a tangible progress,” the sources added.
Strong Lebanon bloc sources meanwhile told al-Anbaa that “the PM-designate’s attempt to use the same approach that was followed by Hariri might prolong the formation process,” calling on Miqati to “show flexibility and leave behind the obstacle of the former premiers, because the government’s formation requires a different approach and advanced ideas.”
Asked about Bassil’s threat to withhold confidence from the new government, the sources said the bloc “rejects any government that does not meet the FPM’s demands, including reforms, the forensic audit and addressing the collapsed economy.”
Al-Mustaqbal bloc MP Assem Araji for his part said that “things are still going round in circles and the interior and justice obstacle has returned to the forefront,” adding that he is not optimistic that the new cabinet would be formed anytime soon.