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CABINET FORMATION

Bassil: We’ll stay silent on ‘abuse’ if Salam and Aoun accept it

The head of the Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement denounced the prime minister-designate's intention to "exclude the parties."

Bassil: We’ll stay silent on ‘abuse’ if Salam and Aoun accept it

Gebran Bassil at Parliament in June 2023. (Credit: Photo from archives Anwar Amro/AFP)

BEIRUT — The head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, criticized Amal and Hezbollah on Tuesday for insisting on retaining control of the Finance Ministry. Speaking at a press conference, he accused the two parties of exerting pressure but said his group would remain “silent” about these “abuses” to avoid obstructing government formation — especially if “the president and prime minister-designate accept it.” He urged Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam to apply “unified criteria” in forming his Cabinet.

Bassil stressed that the new government must be built on “solid political and social foundations” and enjoy the backing of stable parliamentary blocs. He described the last two administrations, led by Hassan Diab and Najib Mikati, as a “bitter experience” for Lebanon due to their reliance on technocrats.

He reaffirmed his party’s commitment to facilitating the government formation process, which began with the election of Joseph Aoun as president and the appointment of Salam in January. However, he warned of potential obstacles and emphasized the need for an “effective government” that follows through on the new leadership’s commitments. He also insisted that the Free Patriotic Movement had already done its part to help by not demanding specific ministerial portfolios or appointments.

So far, it appears the FPM will not have significant representation in the next Cabinet, raising concerns that the party may boycott the government. However, Bassil made no mention of this possibility. Instead, he rejected the idea of excluding political parties from influencing government formation. “Partisan does not necessarily mean militant. It means a commitment to a cause and a system. It is not a burden, and we reject the demonization of political engagement,” he said.

Bassil also noted that the new government would face an unusual set of challenges, including overseeing the cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which took effect Nov. 27 after more than 15 months of conflict and has been extended until Feb. 18. He said the government must also handle relations with the newly established Syrian administration — a coalition of Islamist rebels who ousted Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8 — facilitate the “return of Syrian refugees,” restore ties with Arab and international partners while keeping Lebanon “neutral in regional conflicts,” and implement necessary reforms.

BEIRUT — The head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, criticized Amal and Hezbollah on Tuesday for insisting on retaining control of the Finance Ministry. Speaking at a press conference, he accused the two parties of exerting pressure but said his group would remain “silent” about these “abuses” to avoid obstructing government formation — especially if “the president and...