The National Moderation MP Walid Baarini during a press conference in Abde, in Akkar, North Lebanon, on February 9, 2025. (Credit: Photo sent by our correspondent Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — "The marginalization of Akkar continues, nothing has changed." The deputy of the National Moderation Bloc, Walid Baarini, criticized Prime Minister Nawaf Salam again on Sunday, following the formation of the government in Lebanon after more than three weeks of political negotiations.
"Nawaf Salam acts selectively, he submits to very specific parties and executes a coup against all Sunni deputies," lashed out Baarini, a member of a Bloc primarily made up of Sunnis supported by former supporters of the Future Movement of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who officially ceased all political activity in 2022. "The absence of representation from Akkar is unacceptable," he added during a press conference in Abde, Akkar.
'Displayed disdain'
Baarini criticized the leaders for what he described as "disdain." "The Shiites got what they wanted, while the Sunnis were excluded. This is dangerous for the country," he said. He also claimed that Salam "did not invite the Sunni deputies" to the negotiations before forming his cabinet. "We had to force our way to the designated prime minister, and his attitude was to marginalize us," the deputy added.
He then called to correct the course "by undertaking stimulating projects in Akkar, like the Qleyaat airport and its infrastructure," a topic often mentioned by opposition forces in Lebanon. They often argue that Beirut international airport, the only civilian airfield in Lebanon located in the southern suburb of the capital, is in an area under Hezbollah's influence, and as such, is regularly subject to Israeli threats and boycotts by foreign companies. They thus call for investment in other civilian airports in the country.
"Demanding federalism does not mean that we do not abide by the Taif Agreement and the State, and we demand broader decentralization," added Baarini. "We are giving the government a deadline, but we will not remain silent on the injustice done to Akkar," he warned
Before the government formation was announced, Baarini had already criticized the new prime minister. He denounced the "marginalization" of his parliamentary bloc during the negotiations. While the new government includes Sunni ministers, they do not represent all the various Sunni parliamentary blocs, such as National Moderation and National Accord — Sunnis aligned with Hezbollah.
