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Libyan Parliament Criticizes Algeria for Refusing to Recognize Bashagha's Govt

Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
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Libyan Parliament Criticizes Algeria for Refusing to Recognize Bashagha's Govt

Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)
Libya's Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the eastern-based parliament this month, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia March 30, 2022. Picture taken March 30, 2022. (Reuters)

The east-based Libyan parliament slammed the Algerian government for failing to recognize the government of stability headed by Fathi Bashagha.

Algiers has instead opted to continue to support the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah.

This is the first time the parliament openly criticizes Algeria in defending Bashagha's government, which it backed by a vote of confidence in March.

Head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Youssef al-Aqoury deemed Algeria's ongoing refusal to recognize Bashagha's government and keep supporting the GNU as meddling in Libya's internal affairs and a violation of the country's sovereignty.

He noted the Algerian position "has never supported the stability of the Libyan people," while the two neighbors enjoy historic and social relations.

Moreover, he highlighted how Libya had stood by the Algerian people in their struggle against colonization.

"We therefore, question the position of the Algerian government, which has completely dismissed all fraternal relations and Libya's sovereignty," he added.

Dbeibah had visited Algeria on April 18 where he held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Tebboune said at the time that his country supports the Libyan government that is backed by the international community, meaning the GNU.

There can be no solution in Libya without returning to the people, he added.

He urged the need for Libya to hold parliamentary elections so that legitimacy can be restored to the people.

Only the parliament decides the shape of the new government, he added.

Aqoury dismissed the statements, saying the GNU lost its legitimacy when confidence was withdrawn from it and its replacement voted in.

Some countries have exploited the chaos in Libya by looting its oil and mineral wealth, he went on to say, without naming a country in particular.

Those parties hope to see crisis persist in Libya so that they could achieve their narrow interests, he added.

History will attest to those who helped restore stability and peace in Libya, he stressed.

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Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
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Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)

The formation of Lebanon’s new government remains stalled due to the demands of political factions, particularly the “Shiite Duo” (Hezbollah and the Amal Movement), which is reportedly insisting on obtaining five ministerial portfolios, including the Ministry of Finance.

These conditions are obstructing Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam’s efforts to form a 24-member cabinet, with extensive discussions focused on the distribution of ministerial portfolios.

His objective is to create a government capable of implementing the critical reforms that Lebanon needs urgently.

MP Mark Daou, who is familiar with Salam’s deliberations, believes there is still an opportunity for success. Daou warned that if the “Shiite Duo” holds onto  its demands, it must bear responsibility for the consequences.

Daou dismissed claims from officials within the “Shiite Duo” that they have secured the Ministry of Finance portfolio, reiterating that the matter is still under discussion. He also highlighted the premier-designate’s previous statements that no ministry is the exclusive right of any party.

MP Razi El Hage from the Lebanese Forces described the cabinet formation process as “constructive and effective,” while accusing his opponents of employing the same procrastination tactics used in the presidential election and the designation of a prime minister.

In a related context, MP Waddah Sadek took to X to stress that the constitution remains the sole reference for government formation. He wrote: “Certain parliamentary blocs must recognize that the constitution is our only framework and that the formation of the government will strictly adhere to this principle.”

Separately, MP Fouad Makhzoumi proposed that Salam form a smaller, 14-member cabinet. On X, Makhzoumi wrote: “I reiterate what I proposed during the non-binding parliamentary consultations with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam: the need to form a rescue government of 14 ministers, composed of specialists and highly competent individuals, equipped with exceptional powers to lead the country through this crisis-laden phase.”

He added: “The new government must meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people and address the unprecedented economic, social, and living challenges. These include resolving the issue of depositors’ funds, advancing the Beirut Port explosion investigation, conducting forensic audits of the Central Bank and state ministries, overseeing reconstruction efforts, ensuring the implementation of Resolution 1701, and solidifying the ceasefire agreement.”