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Several MPs boycott parliamentary consultations on formation of new government

Several MPs boycott parliamentary consultations on formation of new government

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati at the presidential palace in Baabda, June 23, 2022. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)

BEIRUT — Several members of Parliament boycotted the non-binding parliamentary consultations in the presidential palace of Baabda on Tuesday.

Here’s what we know:

    • MP Ashraf Rifi stated that he will “boycott the non-binding consultations because the formation of the government will remain in the continuity of the policy of quotas and trusteeship over Lebanon," Rifi denounced on Twitter. “It is absurd to continue this destructive process,” he continued.

    • Independent MP Jamil Sayyed, who is close to Hezbollah, also boycotted the consultations, calling them a "masquerade".

    • MP Fouad Makhzoumi, assured that he will not participate in the government. He also claimed to have discussed "various essential subjects" with Najib Mikati, in particular the question of the triptych "Army, people, resistance," a slogan defended by Hezbollah, which Makhzoumi opposes.

    • Makhzoumi also stated that the economic situation, the independence of judges, the money of depositors in the bank and the investigation into the double explosion at the port of Beirut are all matters that should be dealt with with “transparency.”

    • MP Jean Talouzian also stated that "if we have to wait for the conditions of each other, we will not be able to form a government before the end of the mandate" of President Michel Aoun, which is set to end in October. "Mikati should speak honestly in front of the Lebanese if his cabinet is not formed by the end of the week," insisted Talouzian.

    • MP Hasan Mrad pleaded for the "participation of all in a rescue government.”

    • MP Abdul Rahman Bizri, affirmed his desire to "work positively on all issues to help people get through this difficult period.”

    • Independent MP Oussama Saad stated that the expected result of today's consultations will be "a government of dispatch of current affairs or a government of quotas.”

    • MP Jihad al-Samad assured that he "did not discuss the formation of the government" with Mikati, "Because this is impossible due to the differences between the parties,” but rather the reforms necessary to resolve the crisis.

    • MP Charbel Massad pleaded for "exceptional prerogatives to be granted to the next government".

    • Mikati’s caretaker government had reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund on April 7, where Lebanon would receive $3 billion worth of financial assistance over 46 months if certain prior actions or reforms are implemented.

BEIRUT — Several members of Parliament boycotted the non-binding parliamentary consultations in the presidential palace of Baabda on Tuesday.Here’s what we know:     • MP Ashraf Rifi stated that he will “boycott the non-binding consultations because the formation of the government will remain in the continuity of the policy of quotas and trusteeship over Lebanon," Rifi...