Mustaqbal: Forming New Govt. Ends Problem of Renewing Salameh’s Term

The Mustaqbal bloc stressed on Tuesday the need to form a new government, saying that it is the best way to solve the problem of the impending vacancy in the Central Bank governor position.

It said in a statement after its weekly meeting headed by former Premier Fouad Saniora: “Until a Cabinet is formed, no authority can appoint itself as a substitute for another authority seeing as that would be a constitutional violation.”

The bloc voiced its support for extending the term of Central Bank governor Riyad Salameh “given that he has demonstrated his ability to ensure economic stability.”

It therefore suggested the need for the caretaker government to convene “without delay” to approve the renewal of his term.

Addressing Speaker Nabih Berri’s call to hold a parliament session on Wednesday, the statement said that in April, the speaker had rejected a proposal by FPM leader MP Michel Aoun to hold a legislative session.

It stated that Berri had explained that such a session would be unconstitutional, quoting him as saying: “If the constitution permits it, I would have called for a session every ten days and without hesitation.”