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GOVERNMENT FORMATION

Mikati on LBCI: 'Most political blocs had promised me their support, but...'

The caretaker Prime Minister expects a new government to be formed "by Friday or Saturday."

Mikati on LBCI: 'Most political blocs had promised me their support, but...'

The televised interview of outgoing Prime Minister Nagib Mikati on the LBCI channel, on Jan. 20, 2025. (Credit: Screenshot from the interview with LBCI)

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday evening that “most of the major parliamentary blocs” had contacted him on the eve of the binding consultations that led to Nawaf Salam’s nomination as prime minister on Jan. 13. Mikati claimed these blocs assured him of their support, but he ultimately received only nine votes, compared to 84 for Salam and 35 blank ballots.

In an interview with journalist Albert Kostanian on local TV channel LBCI, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed the recent events surrounding the designation of his successor. He reiterated his congratulations to Nawaf Salam on his nomination, attributing it to "a general political ambiance aspiring for change." Mikati also addressed the issue of Hezbollah’s arms and the formation of a new government.

New government by 'Friday or Saturday'

"Most major groups contacted me on Sunday [Jan. 12] and told me they would appoint me as prime minister," Mikati revealed, highlighting the "decisive role" played by the Progressive Socialist Party and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who ultimately backed Nawaf Salam.

"I called those who spontaneously supported me to tell them I wished to withdraw and asked the Sunni blocs to nominate Mr. Salam. There were also contacts abroad, notably with France beforehand," he specified while affirming "having no bitterness towards anyone."

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In office since September 2021, Mikati then advocated for "openness and reconciliation" as "the hallmark of the new Lebanon" and assured that "according to [his] information, the government is expected to be formed between Friday and Saturday."

"The inaugural speech [by Joseph Aoun] requires a government to implement it, and we will see how the government is formed. Nothing takes precedence over the general interest, and in Lebanese politics, we must consider everything necessary, but not at the expense of the state and national interest," he continued.

He further estimated that Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, do not intend to obstruct the change promised by President Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam in their respective speeches. "Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry himself said that the country needs to move, and I believe the Shiite duo will not stand in the way," he stated.

No regrets

"I haven't made any decisions I regret, and I'm ready to be held accountable," Mikati further declared, claiming to have "limited the losses during his three years and three months in responsibility, despite the political class's failures."

When asked about his feelings regarding the unexpected outcome of parliamentary negotiations, he wished to express "all [his] support" to the former President of the International Court of Justice, adding he was "supportive" of his nomination.

"There was a general atmosphere of aspiring for change, and Nawaf Salam seemed to best embody this change," he explained, confiding that he had informed his successor about his appointment on the day of his designation. "I called him in The Hague, and he said to me: 'What's happening?', and I replied: 'Alf mabrouk' [congratulations]," he assured.

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The disarmament of Hezbollah 'must be resolved gradually'

The caretaker Prime Minister also responded to a question about the contentious issue of Hezbollah's arms. "I don't accept that there are any arms other than legal arms on Lebanese territory, and the issue must be resolved gradually," he stated, emphasizing the importance of complete implementation of the cease-fire agreement in southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of the Israeli army "from all Lebanese territories."

"We will begin delineating the Lebanese-Syrian border," he added, referring to his recent visit to Damascus to meet the new Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. "I spoke about this visit to President Aoun before his election," he declared, adding Aoun had been "positively surprised by this visit," which he believes heralds "excellent relations with Syria."

Finally, Mikati confided his wish to remain "involved" in Lebanese political life to advocate his positions and declared himself "ready to serve if called upon for Lebanon's interest." However, he assured he would not seek a new mandate at the Serail if the government failed to form or achieve confidence from Parliament. "I cannot be a candidate if the coalition fails, and I will not accept it under any form," he concluded.

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday evening that “most of the major parliamentary blocs” had contacted him on the eve of the binding consultations that led to Nawaf Salam’s nomination as prime minister on Jan. 13. Mikati claimed these blocs assured him of their support, but he ultimately received only nine votes, compared to 84 for Salam and 35 blank ballots.In an...