Bassil says consensus is “better than election,” criticizes Franjieh

Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil met with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh on Monday to discuss the ongoing presidential crisis as part of a series of meetings.

After the meeting, Bassil emphasized the importance of consensus over mere election. “We agreed that consensus would be much better than election, and what’s important is to ensure the success of the presidential term along with the election itself,” he said.

Bassil clarified that he is not spearheading any initiative but is working with others to resolve the constitutional impasse.

Addressing Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh’s suggestion of running against Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in the presidential vote, Bassil commented, “Anyone proposing themselves or Samir Geagea for the presidency should first understand the parliamentary numbers.”

In a pointed remark aimed at both Franjieh and Geagea, Bassil added, “We used to have one person who didn’t know how to count, and now we have two.”