The Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai (on the left) and the Greek-Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi. (Credit: Photo montage/L'Orient Le-Jour)
BEIRUT — In their Sunday sermons, Patriarch Bechara Rai, head of the Maronite Church, and Bishop Elias Audi, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, called for the swift formation of a new government to replace the caretaker government of Najib Mikati, in place since the legislative elections of May 2022. They urged that the process adhere strictly to constitutional rules and remain free from sectarian influence.
The process, which began after army commander Joseph Aoun was elected Lebanon’s president on Jan. 9, ending more than two years of vacancy, and the appointment of former International Court of Justice (ICJ) judge Nawaf Salam to form a new government, appears to be stalling. This delay is largely attributed to pressure from the Shiite duo, Amal and Hezbollah, seeking control over key ministries.
Speaking in Bkerkeh, Rai stressed that the Lebanese people "had placed their hopes and trust" in Aoun and Salam. He highlighted the president's commitment to establishing a "rotation" system for first-category civil servant positions in public administrations and institutions, in coordination with both Parliament and the government. Rai also expressed hope that Salam would be able to form a government in line with the Constitution and the Taif Agreement, signed at the end of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).
"Miniature parliaments"
Rai emphasized that the Taif Agreement "does not reserve ministries" for any specific sect, responding to statements from Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, leader of Amal Movement. Berri had claimed that the Finance Ministry is a right granted to the Shiite community under the terms of the 1989 Taif Agreement.
"We hope that adherence to the National Pact will be free from [religious community] quotas," the patriarch said. "We say yes to compliance with the national pact based on equality between Muslims and Christians in coexistence and in first-category civil servant positions, and in the same spirit as much as possible for everything else."
He added, "No to quotas between parties and parliamentary blocs because they open the door to political interference in administration, create a mini-parliament where there is no parliamentary responsibility and violate the constitutional rule of separation of powers."
"It's time that we trust each other and work together to fix what is wrong in the country and undertake the necessary reforms that are expected," Rai added.
Bishop Audi echoed the same sentiment, asking in his sermon, "Will the leaders of this country repent for their mistakes and sins and give up their interests and influence so that the workshop of reform and construction can begin?"
Acknowledging the global praise for Aoun and Salam’s appointments, Audi expressed hope that Lebanon would enter "a new era where all Lebanese, regardless of sect, party or group, will unite with the state" and "facilitate the process of government formation in accordance with our Constitution, far from customs and quotas that have been the cause of failure and collapse."
He also rejected the idea of "dividing ministries as if they were spoils for their holders and the influential," asserting instead that they should be viewed as an "opportunity to serve and build." Audi called for the new government to be both honest and experienced to effectively carry out its duties.
"We hope everyone will extend a hand to the designated Prime Minister and restore respect for the Constitution, that the historical opportunity will be used for Lebanon's benefit, and that constitutional institutions destroyed by some's abuse, others' corruption, disregard for responsibility and the absence of parliamentary oversight because governments have become miniature parliaments, are reconstituted," he declared.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient Le-Jour.
