Member of Parliament Walid Baarini, a member of the National Moderation bloc, at the Grand Serail in Beirut on Feb. 5, 2024. (Photo taken from his X account)
Sunni MP Walid Baarini, a member of the National Moderation bloc, primarily made up of former Hariri Sunni MPs, strongly criticized his "marginalization" on Tuesday in the negotiations for the formation of the future government by the prime minister-designate, Nawaf Salam.
"We remained silent for days and gave the designated premier a chance to complete his consultations. But granting more than their due to those who agitated their sticks, moved their motorcycles, and used intimidation methods, and ignoring us as the representatives of Akkar, Tripoli, Minieh, Dennieh and the North is crossing all the red lines," wrote the MP on X.
Baarini was referring to the parades organized by supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement on Sunday evening in Beirut, in Christian areas, to celebrate the return of displaced residents to south Lebanon. Riding their scooters, these supporters displayed weapons, flags and provocative slogans, notably in the neighborhoods of Furn al-Shebbak and Ain al-Remmaneh, on Gouraud Street in Gemmayzeh and in Hazmieh, according to videos posted on social media that sparked outrage.
"We call on President Joseph Aoun to correct the course as the guarantor of the institutions, otherwise we will rise up against our marginalization. I also call on Northern MPs to unite and reject this logic of exclusion, invisibility, and provocation," he continued.
"The issue is no longer just about ministerial representation of Akkar and the North. It now concerns the dignity of every Akkar resident and considering them as second-class citizens," Baarini stated. "We have no other option but to demand federalism, and then we, as Akkaris, will manage our own affairs."
Marada MP Tony Frangieh went to the presidential palace in Baabda to meet President Aoun on Tuesday, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.
"We will be facilitators of the formation of the government. We support this mandate and we are ready to serve it," he said.