Report: Jumblat Rejects Vain Proposals, Backs Berri’s Initiative

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat views Speaker Nabih Berri’s presidential initiative as “an emergency exit” from the ongoing presidential deadlock, according to sources close to the Druze leader.

These sources, speaking to al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday, indicated that Jumblat does not support presidential proposals that lack momentum and are unlikely to be effective.

Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The situation has been further strained by escalating tensions on the border with Israel since October 7.

With neither the Hezbollah bloc nor its opponents holding the majority needed to elect a president, Berri has called for a ten-day dialogue. However, the Lebanese Forces oppose any dialogue chaired by Berri.

In response, opposition lawmakers have proposed their own initiatives to facilitate the presidential election. They suggested holding consultations in parliament without Berri as the chair.

Sources from the Amal movement told al-Joumhouria that Berri’s initiative is still in progress and is seen as a pathway to a solution. They emphasized that a president has always been elected through consensus and this situation will be no different.