The Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai during Mass on June 23, 2024 (Credit: NNA)
The Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai renewed his call on Sunday to end the presidential vacuum in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to revitalize both the Parliament and government. He highlighted concerns regarding contract teachers at Lebanese University, public sector retirees, and military personnel, advocating for their full rights.
During his Sunday sermon at the summer patriarchal headquarters in Dimane, northern Lebanon, al-Rai urged Lebanese political factions "to swiftly elect a president, enabling Parliament to resume its legislative role and the government to fulfill its constitutional duties." He also stressed the urgency of implementing "necessary reforms to revive the economy and curb emigration."
Addressing the plight of contract teachers at Lebanese University, whom he met last week, the patriarch mentioned ongoing discussions with the Minister of Education. al-Rai noted that the minister is reviewing their demands for proper regulations, hopeful that a proposal will soon be presented to the Cabinet.
Additionally, the head of the Maronite Church disclosed details of his meeting on Friday with retired public sector workers and independent professionals, including representatives from Electricité du Liban (EDL), Social Security, the Union of Contract Employees, and the Social Affairs Ministry. "They outlined their grievances," he said, urging Parliament to promptly consider four bills proposed by deputies Tony Frangieh, Faisal Karami, Charbel Massaad, and Firas Hamdan. These bills aim to establish a retirement pension for the retirees.
The Maronite leader also called for swift action to secure rights for retired military personnel, including access to fuel assistance.
Audi calls for adherence to the Constitution
The Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Elias Audi, criticized the paralysis of Parliament and called for adherence to the Constitution during his Sunday mass at Saint George Cathedral in Beirut.
"The Constitution is the supreme law governing the work of state institutions. It is the guide to be respected by every official, governor, and deputy," Audi said.
"Parliament must confront the heresies that some are attempting to spread. We hope that everyone, starting with the deputies, will respect the Lebanese Constitution," he added. "This respect is essential so that the people can be relieved of psychological and economic pressures and achieve some stability."
Qassem urges dialogue to end presidential vacuum
Deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah Naim Qassem on Sunday emphasized the need to end the prolonged debate and engage in dialogue to facilitate the election of a president in Lebanon, dismissing the Gaza war as an excuse for internal political fragmentation and inflexibility.
"It is important to end the debate. If you want a president in Lebanon, why reject the idea of dialogue? They respond that they don't want to engage in dialogue so that it doesn't become a norm! We call for dialogue and suggest discussing for a short period to transition from dialogue to election," he said
Qassem also criticized those who have "rigid opinions ... from all sides," adding that they significantly delay the process of electing a president.
"Those who want to accomplish the presidential election should hasten to provide some facilitations, concessions, and discussions so we can reach an understanding. Anyone who uses the Gaza war as an excuse, saying that a solution can only come after the Gaza war ends, is not speaking accurately. The Gaza war has nothing to do with the refusal to elect a president for Lebanon," Qassem explained
"The reason for not electing a president is the internal fragmentation and inflexibility in positions. If a breakthrough were to happen now, there could be a president for Lebanon tomorrow, even if the war is still ongoing."
