Berri Urges 'Everyone' to Offer Concessions, Says Economy 'in Intensive Care'

Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday called on “everyone” to offer concessions to facilitate the stalled formation of the new government, as he issued an austere warning over the country's economic situation.

“Any party cannot achieve what it wants in the government formation process and everyone, without exception, must offer concessions for the sake of the country in order to overcome this crisis,” Berri was quoted as saying during his weekly Ain el-Tineh meeting with lawmakers.

“Today Lebanon is in the 'intensive care unit' and the economic situation is dangerous and cannot be overlooked, knowing that Lebanon is not Turkey or Iran,” Berri warned.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri was tasked with forming a new government on May 24.

His mission is being hampered by political wrangling over ministerial seats, especially over Christian and Druze representation.