Berri’s Bloc Hits Back: Slams ‘Campaigns,’ Claims Fear of Dialogue

Speaker Nabih Berri’s Development and Liberation bloc on Friday condemned “any insults, unjust accusations, or disdain for the presidential posts and their powers and roles.”

“The baseless accusation campaigns against the parliament speaker and his duties are certainly deplorable and their intentions are clear,” the bloc stated after a meeting in Ain el-Tineh led by Berri.

“At its core, Lebanon is a country of dialogue and daily interactions among its diverse religious and political groups. So why do some fear the very essence of Lebanon’s identity, which is dialogue?” the bloc questioned.

“Why is dialogue or consultation being portrayed as if it is a threat or a violation of the system and constitution?” it continued.

The bloc emphasized that “given the complex situation and the balance of power in parliament, along with the current deadlock, serious consultations and dialogue are necessary … over several days to reach a consensus on one, two, or three candidates.”

Opposition lawmakers had proposed two suggestions on Tuesday to facilitate the election of a new president and end the prolonged presidential vacancy, which were dismissed by Berri and his supporters.

The opposition suggested that “MPs should meet in parliament and hold consultations, without an official invitation, formal structure, or specific framework, out of respect for the presidential election procedures outlined in the Lebanese constitution.”

“Consultations would not exceed 48 hours, after which MPs would proceed — regardless of the consultations’ outcome — to an open-ended electoral session with successive rounds until a president is elected, in accordance with the constitution,” the opposition proposed.

Another suggestion was for Speaker Nabih Berri to “call for a presidential election session under his chairmanship,” according to the opposition.

“If no president is elected in the first round, the session would remain open, and MPs and blocs would consult outside the parliament’s hall for no more than 48 hours. They would then return to the hall for successive voting rounds, not exceeding four rounds daily, until a president is elected,” the opposition added.

“All parties would commit to attending the rounds and ensuring quorum,” it concluded.