Berri makes a first salvo at electing the next president

“I followed the constitution and the laws in force and have fulfilled my duties as parliament speaker, rather than sending any political message to anyone.” This is how Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri explained to L’Orient-Le Jour his decision to convene the first parliamentary session to elect a president, to take place Thursday at 11 a.m.Berri’s move came as a surprise in political circles, particularly since he made it clear on more than one occasion that he would not convene an electoral session before an agreement on current President Michel Aoun successor is reached. Aoun’s term of office expires on Oct. 31, though the constitutionally mandated period to elect the next president began nearly a month ago, on Sept. 1. Read more: Parliament approves 2022 budget 3 months before the year ends Requesting anonymity, a source close to...