Can PSP break the persistent presidential crisis?

This week, the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) initiated a series of meetings with Lebanese political factions to address the ongoing presidential deadlock, shortly after French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian departed Beirut without a resolution.

In Maarab, a PSP delegation engaged with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and MPs Ghassan Hasbani and Nazih Matta. Simultaneously, former minister Ghazi Aridi held discussions with Speaker Nabih Berri and Hussein Khalil, political aide to Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, most political blocs responded positively to the PSP’s outreach, except for the Lebanese Forces. A notable political source mentioned that the PSP’s dialogues would continue next week with the Lebanese Forces and other opposition groups. The initiative aims to secure a quorum for a presidential election session and proceed with consultations if MPs cannot elect a president after four voting rounds.

Speaker Berri has emphasized that dialogue is essential to resolving the presidential crisis, a stance rejected by the Lebanese Forces if Berri chairs the dialogue. International actors including the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar have advocated for consultations and a compromise candidate.

The source indicated that the international quintet might assist the PSP if necessary. Since President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, Parliament has failed to elect a successor, with neither Hezbollah nor its opponents holding a decisive majority. This impasse persists amid Lebanon’s severe economic crisis and heightened tensions in the south due to the Gaza conflict.