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Aoun Approves Lebanese Govt Resignation, Demands Mikati's Removal as PM-designate

Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun delivers a speech to mark the end of his mandate, outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on October 30, 2022. (AFP)
Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun delivers a speech to mark the end of his mandate, outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on October 30, 2022. (AFP)
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Aoun Approves Lebanese Govt Resignation, Demands Mikati's Removal as PM-designate

Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun delivers a speech to mark the end of his mandate, outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on October 30, 2022. (AFP)
Lebanon's outgoing President Michel Aoun delivers a speech to mark the end of his mandate, outside the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on October 30, 2022. (AFP)

Lebanese President Michel Aoun approved on Sunday the resignation of the caretaker government, fulfilling a warning he had made in recent days.

Aoun had stirred debate when he said that the caretaker government would be deemed resigned in wake of the May parliamentary elections.

Also on Sunday, Aoun demanded that Najib Mikati be removed as prime minister-designate. He called on parliament to convene to address the issue, marking a precedent in the country.

It was his final move in office before his term ends on Monday.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that he would call the legislature to convene in the coming two days to discuss Aoun’s demand.

He added that the election of a president will be a priority in the coming stage “because vacuum is rejected.”

He also revealed that he may call on political parties to hold dialogue to address pending issues.

Aoun’s message

In a letter to parliament, Aoun called for the removal of Mikati as PM-designate, for a replacement to be appointed and the formation of a government “to avoid vacuum”.

He accused Mikati of “refraining” from forming a government when Lebanon was on the verge of presidential vacuum, leaving the country without a president and government.

The country and its people cannot tolerate vacuum in both positions due to its impact on the nation and national pact, he added.

Aoun said: “Mikati had informed us during our meetings to form a government of his lack of enthusiasm to form it for various reasons.”

Among them was his saying that the election of a president was a priority and that it would be followed with the formation of a government, he went on to say.

Moreover, Aoun said that even days before his term ended, he insisted to Mikati that a government be formed, “but he didn’t care and our calls fell on deaf ears.”

“This cemented our belief that he is unwilling to form a government and wanted to remain at the head of the caretaker one, banking on presidential vacuum to take place,” charged Aoun.

He stressed that he adamantly rejects the possibility of a caretaker government assuming the role of the president, citing Article 17 of the constitution.

The government usually assumes the duties of the president in case of a vacuum in the country’s top post.

Edge of the abyss

Aoun called on lawmakers to “immediately and without delay” elect a president or form a new government in the final two days of his term to “avoidthe edge of the abyss”.

He accused Mikati of taking the deliberate political decision to refrain from forming a government.

“He is holding back from forming a government, banking on vacuum that is lethal to our pact, identity, constitution and national security,” he continued.

Mikati “must immediately step down from forming a government, so that a replacement can be named to form a cabinet,” demanded Aoun.

Govt goes on

Mikati, for his part, stressed that the government will continue to carry out “all of its constitutional duties, including its caretaker role, in line with the constitution and other regulations.”

Parliament has held four sessions since late September to elect a president but no candidate was able to get the two-thirds majority of the vote needed.

As in previous votes, parliamentary blocs will have to agree on a consensus candidate for the country’s top post as no alliance within the legislature controls majority seats.

Aoun himself was elected in 2016 after a more than two-year vacuum. Despite Hezbollah’s support then, Aoun was only elected after he received the backing of the bloc of his main rivals of the Lebanese Forces party as well as the bloc of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

While it's not the first time that Lebanon’s parliament has failed to appoint a successor by the end of the president’s term, this will be the first time that there will be both no president and a caretaker cabinet with limited powers.

Lebanon’s constitution allows the cabinet in regular circumstances to run the government, but is unclear whether that applies to a caretaker government.

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Arab World

Iraq Deadlock Persists Over Next Prime Minister

The Shorja wholesale market, as the US administration suspends shipments of US dollars to Iraq, in central Baghdad, Iraq, April 23, 2026. (Reuters)
The Shorja wholesale market, as the US administration suspends shipments of US dollars to Iraq, in central Baghdad, Iraq, April 23, 2026. (Reuters)
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Iraq Deadlock Persists Over Next Prime Minister

The Shorja wholesale market, as the US administration suspends shipments of US dollars to Iraq, in central Baghdad, Iraq, April 23, 2026. (Reuters)
The Shorja wholesale market, as the US administration suspends shipments of US dollars to Iraq, in central Baghdad, Iraq, April 23, 2026. (Reuters)

Iraq's main Shiite alliance failed on Friday to agree on a new candidate for prime minister after US pressure stymied the chances of frontrunner Nouri al-Maliki.

Leaders of the Coordination Framework -- a ruling coalition of Shiite groups with varying ties to Iran who had initially nominated Maliki -- have been locked in intense discussions to settle the question of the premiership, but to no avail.

They have met three times this week.

After Friday's meeting, the INA state news agency reported that they would meet again on Saturday to "decide on the candidate for the prime minister".

In January, US President Donald Trump threatened to stop supporting Iraq if Maliki -- a two-time former premier with close ties to Iran -- returned to the post.

In Iraq, a nomination by the largest Shiite bloc effectively brings a candidate to power through presidential appointment, but Trump's threats reshuffled the cards.

Although the Coordination Framework has not yet officially withdrawn its backing for Maliki, its leaders are discussing other potential candidates.

They include incumbent premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, intelligence chief Hamid al-Shatri, and Bassem al-Badri who heads a committee that bars members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party from public office.

Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighboring Iran and its archfoe the United States.

Arab World

Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
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Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts,” stressing it “negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” as Beirut pursues a US-sponsored diplomatic track backed by European and Arab support to reach a lasting end to the war and ensure arms are held exclusively by the state.

Aoun made the remarks in Lebanon’s address to an informal meeting of European Union leaders, attended by southern neighbors and convened by Nikos Christodoulides during Cyprus’ EU presidency.

He said Lebanon had “engaged in a diplomatic negotiation process under US sponsorship, with support from the European Union and Arab countries,” aimed at a “sustainable solution” that ends Israeli attacks and secures a full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders, allowing the state to extend authority over all its territory.

“Lebanon today refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts. It negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” he said, adding the country “places great importance on de-escalation and achieving stability and peace,” and that diplomacy, not escalation, is the only path to a lasting solution.

Severe humanitarian situation

Aoun described conditions on the ground as “extremely dangerous,” citing “more than 1,300 evacuation orders affecting 311 towns and over 6,800 airstrikes up to April 11,” leaving “more than 10,000 casualties, killed and wounded.”

He accused Israel of “violating international law” by targeting medical teams, hospitals, schools, journalists and places of worship, and by the “systematic destruction” of villages and civilian infrastructure to prevent residents from returning. Displacement has “exceeded one million,” he said.

Only 13% of the displaced are in shelters, mostly in public schools and universities, increasing pressure on the education system, he added. Lebanon still hosts around one million Syrian refugees, placing “significant strain” on infrastructure, services and host communities. He described the crisis as “not a conventional humanitarian crisis, but an existential one by all measures.”

Economic losses mount

More than 150,000 people are expected to have no homes to return to after the war.

Aoun urged the EU to convene an international conference on reconstruction and recovery, alongside boosting humanitarian funding, and called for reviving a France-backed conference to support the Lebanese army, which he described as “a guarantor of national unity and a cornerstone of local and regional stability.”

Syrian refugees

Aoun called for coordination with Syrian authorities, backed by international partners, to step up efforts for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, saying Syria’s recovery offers “a real opportunity” to advance the process gradually and in an organized manner.

He said Lebanon is “not merely a humanitarian case,” but is directly tied to regional stability, migration, counterterrorism and energy security, urging stronger cooperation with Europe.

Nicosia meetings: French and Italian support

On the sidelines, Aoun met French President Emmanuel Macron, briefing him on efforts to end the conflict and ease the suffering of the Lebanese people.

He said Lebanon had pressed in talks at the US State Department and the White House for a ceasefire, followed by a three-week extension to halt hostilities, stop the destruction of homes in villages occupied by Israeli forces, and end attacks on medics, Red Cross and civil defense personnel, journalists and civilians.

Aoun also outlined Lebanon’s post-ceasefire position, thanking France for aid to displaced Lebanese and expressing hope for continued support from France and EU countries.

Macron reaffirmed France’s backing, saying he had contacted European leaders and partners to support Lebanon’s push to consolidate a ceasefire and begin bilateral negotiations, adding Paris would continue efforts to bolster Lebanon’s position.

Aoun also met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, briefing her on ceasefire contacts and two rounds of talks in Washington, the first attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the second by US President Donald Trump.

“The option of war leads to no result,” he said.

Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s support for Lebanon, particularly for direct bilateral negotiations, and said Rome was ready to assist efforts to achieve stability, while continuing aid.

Arab World

Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
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Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)

The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Those reports were later denied, but without producing tangible steps toward even early recovery.

Egyptian experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo is pushing the file forward, either by opening parallel tracks to the Board of Peace’s reconstruction plan or by breaking the deadlock in the ceasefire phases, while preserving the agreement’s effectiveness as attention shifts to the “Iran war.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Japan’s envoy for Gaza reconstruction, Takeshi Okubo, days ago, discussing “early recovery and reconstruction efforts in light of the ongoing regional escalation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty stressed the need to accelerate early recovery through practical projects with immediate impact on Palestinians’ lives, including medicines, construction materials, desalination plants, mobile power units, and adequate temporary housing, taking into account realities on the ground and residents’ needs.

The issue also featured during Abdelatty’s mid-April visit to Washington, where he discussed with Stefan Emblad ways to boost cooperation on early recovery and reconstruction.

Abdelatty called for a major role for the World Bank in ensuring sustainable living conditions for Palestinians, citing its experience in reconstruction. He stressed the need to prioritize urgent projects and affirmed Egypt’s readiness to fully cooperate with the Board of Peace and the bank.

Ashraf Harbi of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs said reviving the reconstruction file aims to create parallel paths to the Board of Peace’s steps, which have yet to begin, adding that Cairo is counting on international and European institutions to push early recovery.

He said Egypt is also seeking to break the ceasefire deadlock and sustain momentum on the Palestinian issue and the “Gaza agreement,” amid fears of a complete freeze as global attention turns to the Iran war.

In recent weeks, Cairo hosted talks between Hamas and the Board of Peace’s representative in Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, focused largely on Hamas disarmament, but without agreement.

Mladenov said arrangements acceptable to all parties “will take some time.”

A Reuters report in early April said the Board of Peace had received only a small share of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza, delaying Trump’s plan for the devastated territory.

The Board said it faces no funding obstacles and that all requests were met “immediately and in full,” adding it is focused on enabling a national committee to manage Gaza, restoring governance, and expanding aid.

Days before the Iran war erupted in February, Washington hosted the Board of Peace’s first meeting, where countries pledged billions for Gaza’s reconstruction and administration after two years of war.

The plan envisions large-scale reconstruction alongside Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal, paving the way for a Palestinian national committee to take over governance.

Ahmed Fouad Anwar, also of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said Cairo is stepping up efforts to overcome Israeli obstacles that have delayed a technocratic committee from taking over in Gaza and hindered the formation of a “stabilization force,” both of which are tied to reconstruction and early recovery.

He said delays in implementing the ceasefire are also linked to funding for reconstruction and development.

Cairo is working to establish a practical starting point to boost humanitarian and development support through the World Bank or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, aiming to restore hope for Palestinians facing harsh conditions.

Anwar added that the faltering first phase of the ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from only 55 percent of Gaza, and the focus on the Iran war and its economic and political fallout, including the risk of renewed fighting, are shaping the Palestinian landscape and require intensified action on multiple tracks.

International institutions estimate Gaza’s reconstruction cost at about $70 billion after widespread destruction of infrastructure and buildings, leaving the enclave’s future dependent on funding and political consensus.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that rebuilding Gaza’s health system will require $10 billion over five years, with 1,800 health facilities damaged, some fully and others partially.