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. They discussed matters concerning Dar Al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Makhzoumi said the visit was intended to discuss with His Eminence the situation in the country and the crises engulfing it, along with their impact on economic, social, and living conditions. He stressed the need to form a government of independent figures, particularly since this is an international demand and a prerequisite for launching reforms, encouraging expatriates to help their country, and attracting investors.
“We are calling for a government of specialists, yet the two opposing sides, which have been trading accusations over obstructing the government formation process, have turned to the Shiite duo,” he said. “This confirms what we have always maintained: that Hezbollah controls the country.”
He urged independent political leaders to assess the situation clearly and work diligently to form a government composed entirely of independent figures, from the prime minister down to every minister, with a reform program. He noted that various countries, particularly the European Union and the United States, were prepared to help Lebanon, provided that the new government was not yet another government formed through a political “deal” as usual.
Regarding the proposed financial support card, Makhzoumi said that there was no doubt that efforts were being made to accelerate its implementation. However, he warned that some were making grand promises to citizens despite the lack of sufficient financial resources to fulfill them. He explained that approving the card without gradually lifting subsidies and tightening border controls would serve little purpose, as it would increase the financial burden on the state without curbing theft, plundering, and corruption.
He questioned where the comprehensive and clear plan was that would determine how the cards would be distributed, calling for a development plan that could revive the country and provide better assistance to its people.
Makhzoumi also said that the Makhzoumi Foundation was placing itself at the disposal of His Eminence, Dar Al-Fatwa, and all those responsible for and affiliated with the institution regarding the Pfizer vaccine initiative to combat COVID-19. He urged everyone wishing to help Lebanon to expedite the procurement of vaccines so that the largest possible number of people could benefit, allowing the country to reopen more quickly, stimulate economic activity, and help institutions recover.
Asked about Speaker Nabih Berri’s initiative, Makhzoumi expressed his hope that all influential parties would make the formation of a government of independent figures their top priority. He said this would not happen as long as the ruling establishment remained committed to the principle of dividing positions and benefits along sectarian and political lines. He reiterated that no government could be formed while the Shiite duo maintained control over the formation process.
Asked whether he would be tasked with forming a government if Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down, Makhzoumi recalled that he had stated publicly in January 2019 that he was not a candidate for the premiership, a position he reiterated on this occasion. He stressed that he did not take instructions from anyone but worked in the interests of the people. Any government formed by the same ruling establishment, he warned, would amount to a second Hassan Diab government.
He emphasized that the priority today was to reach an agreement on a program that would safeguard judicial independence, ensure accountability, and provide for negotiations with the World Bank.