Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Calls for Appointment of Chief of Staff Amid Renewed Mikati-Slim Tensions

The Possibility of a Final Cabinet Session This Year Depends on Naming New Chief of Staff and Military Council Members

The prospect of holding a final Cabinet session this year hinges on the potential agreement to appoint a new chief of staff and two members of the military council, according to government sources cited by al-Liwaa newspaper.

The Democratic Gathering is actively working to secure the appointment of a new chief of staff before the year’s end. A delegation from this group has reportedly met with MP Tony Franjieh of the Marada Movement, which holds three ministerial positions in the government. Their aim is to facilitate the appointment of a new chief of staff within the Cabinet.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has also taken steps in this regard. He recently sent a memorandum to caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim, requesting proposals for filling the vacant military positions.

In response, Slim has indicated that he is awaiting the outcome of the Free Patriotic Movement’s appeal against the law that extended the term of Army chief Joseph Aoun. Once this matter is resolved, he would be willing to assist in filling the aforementioned vacancies.

During a recent Cabinet session, Mikati informed the ministers about the memorandum he had sent to Slim two days earlier. There was a suggestion from one of the ministers for direct contact between Mikati and Minister Slim, to which Mikati responded by emphasizing the dignity of the premiership.

This situation underscores the challenges and tensions within the Lebanese government, particularly concerning the appointment of key military figures, which could impact the timing of the final Cabinet session for the year.