Jumblat: Aoun an Advocate of Reform Should Begin with Electricity File

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat stressed he has “no personal conflict” with President Michel Aoun, urging him to address the problematic file of electricity “since he is an advocate of reform,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Wednesday.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone. When I say the (presidential) mandate is a failure I don’t mean the President. I mean the whole system,” said Jumblat in an interview to the daily.

“I have nothing against President Aoun. I don’t have a personal conflict with him. He has called for reform so let him begin with the electricity file,” he added.

Lebanon has for decades struggled with daily power cuts. Blackouts have been a fixture of life in the country since the 1975-1990 civil war.

On the government formation delay, Jumblat reiterated commitment to allocate three Druze ministerial portfolios for the PSP.

“We insist that we get three ministers. When serious talk begins, then we would be ready for negotiations taking the (parliamentary) elections outcome into consideration,” he said, pointing out that further delay would entail additional costs on the treasury.