Berri Suggests That the Army Chief’s ‘Consensus’ Approach Could Be Applied to the Presidency

Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament, has emphasized the significance of consensus in the country’s political landscape. He pointed to the recent legislative session and the extension of the army chief’s term as examples of what can be achieved through consensus.

Berri expressed the view that a similar approach could be applied to the presidential election if there is a genuine willingness among parliamentary blocs to reach a consensus. He reflected on past situations where parliamentary blocs had declined to engage in dialogue and regretted the time that had been lost as a result.

According to Berri, the key to progress in Lebanon lies in embracing a consensus-based approach. This approach, he believes, would not only facilitate the election of a president but also contribute to the strengthening of the country and its institutions.

The Speaker’s remarks highlight the challenges of achieving political consensus in Lebanon, where deep divisions and sectarianism often hinder decision-making and governance. The presidency is a particularly critical position in Lebanon’s political system, and finding common ground among various factions remains a complex task. Berri’s comments underscore the ongoing efforts to address Lebanon’s political and institutional challenges through consensus-building.