President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar Al-Fatwa, accompanied by Diplomatic Adviser and former Ambassador Dr. Bassam Naamani and Makhzoumi Foundation Director General Samer Al-Safah. They discussed matters concerning Dar Al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi stated that the visit was intended to discuss current developments, beginning with the situation in Beirut and Lebanon in general, moving on to the presidential vacuum that the country had entered that day, and culminating in Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri’s call for Parliament to convene the following Thursday. He added that everyone must demonstrate sufficient awareness and avoid being held hostage to personal agendas and sectarian calculations. He noted that the challenges facing the country were significant and that it was essential to refrain from settling political scores.

Makhzoumi further explained that Articles 62 and 64 of the Constitution stipulate that, in the event of a presidential vacancy, the government assumes the President’s powers. However, Articles 73, 74, and 75 also provide for the election of a president, and, accordingly, Parliament has been in continuous session to elect a president since October 21. He urged everyone to recognize the circumstances facing the country and reaffirmed his commitment to the Taif Agreement, which restored and rebuilt state institutions and must be preserved.

Regarding the economic and social situation, Makhzoumi described conditions as dire, noting that the International Monetary Fund’s requirements were clear but had not been implemented. He also stated that laws approved by parliamentary committees and subsequently voted on in Parliament were being enacted in forms different from the versions on which MPs had voted.

Makhzoumi said that he had met with a number of Sunni MPs following the national consultative meeting hosted by the Grand Mufti the previous month. He stressed the need to implement the meeting’s conclusions by unifying MPs’ efforts and positions in support of electing a reform-oriented and sovereign President of the Republic, and by reaching consensus on a national rescue plan to launch the process of reform and rebuilding the state.

He also called on the media to exercise caution and avoid sectarian and confessional rhetoric.