Calls to speed up the formation of a government to stop Lebanon’s economic and social collapse have gone unabated as sources close to Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri talked about a “decisive week” on whether to maintain his mission or step down.
“Those concerned with forming the government refrain from carrying out their constitutional and national duties … Despite the total collapse, they continue to exchange intentionally fabricated conditions to delay the formation of the government,” Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai said on Sunday.
An article in the constitution that the PM-designate shall sign with the president the decree of the government formation, does not mean putting on hold cabinet lineups, he said, adding that the designation cannot last forever.
The Patriarch’s remarks came in parallel with comments made by sources close to Hariri, who noted that the PM-designate would “make his decision in terms of maintaining or abandoning his mission.”
Deputy leader of al-Mustaqbal movement Mustafa Alloush said that Hariri would make last-ditch efforts to form a new government before deciding on stepping aside.
According to Alloush, the cabinet stalemate was caused by the president’s team.
