Kassar 'Permanent' Candidate to Premiership, Says Consensus Important
Head of the Economic Committees Adnan Kassar said on Sunday that he is a “permanent” candidate to the premiership, considering that he is able to take the country to safety.
“Whenever the country enters political vacuum, parties propose my name to the premiership as they have confidence that I can guarantee the country's safety,” Kassar said in an interview with the Saudi Okaz newspaper.
The former minister said that he would accept the post if all the Lebanese parties agree on the matter.
Media reports said that consultations to form a new government are expected to kick off after the Easter holidays.
“I am not seeking to become a Prime Minister but I will not evade any national consensus over my candidacy,” Kassar said.
He stressed that he rejects any condition imposed on him to assume the tasks of the prime minister.
Prime Minister Najib Miqati announced his resignation on Friday night in light of the cabinet's failure to approve the decisions to form of an authority to oversee the parliamentary elections and extend the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi.
He said that all political powers “must assume their responsibilities in order to steer Lebanon away from the unknown.”
Reactions to Miqati's step were mixed with some sides calling for the formation of a salvation government and others condemning his step at such a critical time in the region and ahead of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for June 9.
Kassar told the newspaper that the current political situation will not be rectified unless a national salvation government is formed.
He hailed the efforts exerted by Miqati to safeguard the country.
“Lebanon can not endure any political void,” Kassar added.
He considered the the economy situation is stable despite the resignation of the government.
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