Ferzli Has Suggestion 'Up His Sleeve' to Facilitate Govt. Formation

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elie Ferzli said on Monday he has a proposal that will likely facilitate the government formation process after more than two months since the designation.

In an interview to VDL (93.3), Ferzli revealed that he will “initiate the idea that the Strong Lebanon bloc shifts to the opposition if the majority government's proposal is not approved as a way out to help Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri overcome the stalemates.”

Ferzli said his attempt comes within the framework of preventing the delay until next fall.

He said the “presence of the opposition is necessary in a democratic system,” pointing out that “the country should not remain prey to external targets that want to abort the results of the parliamentary elections and abort the (presidential) term.”

Hariri was tasked with forming a government on May 24, but his mission has since been delayed due to wrangling between political parties over Cabinet quotas.

Ongoing struggle between the Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement (the Strong Lebanon bloc) over Christian representation is one of the stalemates delaying the formation.

The Lebanese Forces insists on allocating four portfolios including a so-called sovereign ministry.

Druze leader and Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat, insists on getting the whole 3-seat Druze Cabinet share, which is strongly denounced by Druze MP Talal Arslan who also demands a share in Cabinet.