Report: Fearing Reform, Lebanon Cabinet Delay is 'Calculated'

France reportedly believes that the formation of a government in Lebanon is being “deliberately” delayed by “some” Lebanese politicians, believing the final outcome of the U.S. elections would strengthen their political position, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

According to the daily, well-informed sources obtained diplomatic information from France, stating that some officials in Lebanon are linking the complicated cabinet formation process to the US elections results.

They reportedly believe the outcome could strengthen their political position in a new government, they said.

However, the sources said that such “ambitions” are only based on “illusions” because the US administration has specific constants regardless of the identity of the U.S. President, even if Joe Biden officially wins, “no one can be sure of his orientations.”

They warned that the Lebanese people are already “dying of hunger,” and can not wait for two more months until the US election results are official, according to the sources.

The daily quoted French deputies as saying: “What we see in Lebanon is not pending the American elections, but rather a lack of impulse by Lebanese leaders towards forming a government to save their country and rebuild its economy. They are simply running away from making reforms that would undermine the foundations they rely on.”