Former Future Movement-affiliated MPs announced the formation of the National Moderation Bloc. (Credit: Photo provided by Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — Former Future Movement-affiliated MPs Abdul Aziz al-Samad (Miniyeh-Dinniyeh), Walid Baarini (Akkar), Mohammad Sleiman (Akkar), Sagih Attieh (Akkar), Ahmad Rustom (Akkar), Ahmad al-Khair (Minieh-Dinniyeh) and Hadi Hobeich (Akkar) announced after their meeting on Wednesday the formation of a new parliamentary bloc, the National Moderation Bloc.
Here’s what we know:
• In a press conference, Khair, who read the MPs’ statement, said that the bloc “will meet every week and is open to discussions with all blocs” and will focus on issues, including policies in North Lebanon, protecting the rights of bank depositors, achieving a deal with the International Monetary Fund, the state’s monopoly on arms, a defense strategy for Lebanon to defend its borders and funding the Lebanese Army.
• The statement also said that the bloc “stresses the importance of holding the presidential election on time and the formation of a government as fast as possible.”
• The consultations with parliamentary blocs to appoint a new prime minister-designate are scheduled to take place for Thursday, while President Michel Aoun’s term ends in October.
• The members of the National Moderation Bloc were all affiliated with the Future Movement, which decided to boycott the 2022 parliamentary elections and asked any of its members who wanted to run in the elections to resign from the party.