Head of Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) MP Gebran Bassil ended on Saturday all hopes for a “comprehensive settlement” over the presidency after launching a scathing attack against the FPM’s ally, Hezbollah.
During an address before an FPM youth gathering, the MP delivered messages to “internal and foreign players, rivals and allies alike” about the presidential impasse.
They want to “carry out reforms, but at the same time, they want to choose a corrupt president and prime minister and the most corrupt central bank governor. They would then get upset when we decline their offer. No, a thousand times no.”
He rejected “threats of chaos, sanctions, and vacuum at the government and parliament.”
“We choose a president with our convictions and no one can impose them in us,” continued Bassil.
His remarks were understood as a reference Hezbollah and Amal-backed presidential candidate, head of the Marada movement former minister and MP Suleiman Franjieh.
A leading source from the FPM did not deny the accusation.
“They are directed against anyone who can be imposed by chaos. Let them interpret the remarks as they wish,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Bassil’s statements “were a message to everyone inside Lebanon and abroad who speak of chaos,” he stated.
“His remarks were very clear,” he added.
Lebanon has been without a president since October when the term of Michel Aoun, Bassil’s father-in-law, ended. Several elections sessions have been held at parliament since but no single candidate has garnered enough votes to be declared the winner.
Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah had warned on Thursday of chaos erupting in Lebanon over the ongoing political impasse. Security and political circles echoed his warning.
Parliamentary sources opposed to the FPM told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Bassil’s remarks effectively mark the end of relations with Hezbollah and the understanding struck with it.”
“We have entered a dangerous phase with Bassil’s rejection of a complete settlement that is being prepared by internal political powers,” they said.
The settlement will cover the presidency, government and position of central bank governor.
The term of current governor, Riad Salameh, ends in the summer.
Leading sources at the FPM played down Bassil’s latest statements, saying his strong opposition to Franjieh’s nomination is well-known and he has previously expressed it on several occasions.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources explained that Bassil refuses the election of a president who would cover up corruption. He also refuses the idea of a president being imposed on the country to end chaos caused by the political deadlock.
The FPM is demanding the election of a president who enjoys backing by local and foreign powers.
“We are the only party that is demanding dialogue as part of a complete program aimed at resolving the crisis,” they stressed.
“We want the election of a president and we have sacrificed our candidate to facilitate the process,” they added. “Our allies and rivals must therefore, meet us halfway as part of the complete program.”
Meanwhile, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed Raad said: “We had offered to all the Lebanese the opportunity to reach an understanding over a president who can lead the country during this phase.”
“We refuse the candidacy of a divisive figure, given that the country cannot handle more strain,” he remarked.
“We have not declared our candidate, but we have a figure in mind,” he said. “We want a president who would be open to and can approach all sides.”
