Rahi Slams MPs Behavior as 'Disappointing' over Presidential Impasse
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi considered on Sunday the behavior of lawmakers “disappointing,” wondering if the presidential vacuum is a “normal” matter that doesn't require their attention.
“MPs and those who are behind them are a disappointment for repeating the same behavior every time the parliament is called for voting for a new head of state,” al-Rahi said during Sunday's sermon at the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the town of Hsoun in Jbeil.
He wondered if the presidential vacuum “is a normal matter that doesn't prompt any reaction by lawmakers of the civil society.”
Lebanon was plunged into a presidential vacuum after Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25 with rival political blocs still divided over a new leader.
Over the past two months the parliament convened seven times to try to elect a successor to former President Michel Suleiman but failed during the last six sessions due to a lack of quorum caused by a boycott by most of the March 8 forces.
The eighth session is scheduled for July 2.
The patriarch called for reconciliation between the Sunnis and Shiites, the March 8 and 14 coalitions, urging the political arch-foes to “rebuild unity amid the division.”
Al-Rahi considered that the “shameful” stage that the country reached requires the implementation of four main factors.
Raising children to recognize the importance of the higher national interest, respecting the constitutional institutions, maintaining the country's neutrality and fortifying the national pact and entity.
“We are in need for politicians that could be up to the challenges facing the country,” al-Rahi said.
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