Katicha Accuses FPM of ‘Monopolizing’ Power, Pushing LF Out of Govt.

MP Wehbe Katicha of the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc denied accusations that the Lebanese Forces is hampering the formation of the Cabinet, as he reversed the blame on parties he said were “monopolizing" power in the country, Saudi Asharq al-Awsat reported on Monday.

“Those monopolizing everything are trying to embarrass us out (of the government), but we won’t. We insist on proper representation,” he said in an apparent reference to the Free Patriotic Movement accusations against the LF.

The LF are seeking an equal Cabinet share to that of the FPM which includes five ministerial seats including a so-called sovereign portfolio in addition to the deputy prime minister post.

“Shall we waiver any of our demands, it must be met with a similar step by the other party (FPM). The Maarab Agreement specifies that, and the public opinion will hold them accountable because the people have tasked us to represent them,” said Katicha.

The LF insists on getting an equal share to that of the FPM in the new government, judging their demand as the “right for proper representation based on the outcome of the parliamentary elections.”

Their demands are reportedly delaying the Cabinet formation process, as Bassil has has made an outright rejection of such a request.