This newfound momentum is evident in the flurry of meetings — some public, others held behind closed doors — among key political figures, as well as the sudden announcement of new candidates. While some have publicly declared their intentions, others are rumored to be in the running, with speculation fueled by their inner circles.At the center of this flurry of activity, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is spearheading efforts to ensure the electoral session is held on Jan. 9. The date has drawn criticism from some Lebanese factions, who question why Berri scheduled the session just 11 days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.Berri, however, has maintained a consistent message to his visitors — including ambassadors from the Quintet group, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil, and several parliamentary...