Raad Says Hizbullah, Allies Can Now Block 'Harmful' Draft Laws

The head of Hizbullah's parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammed Raad, announced Monday that his party and its allies have gained the ability to block draft laws that might “harm the country's interest.”

“After the elections, the parliament's situation with its blocs and balance of power has clearly changed and no single camp now has the ability to possess a permanent majority to rely on in approaching laws, proposals and draft laws,” Raad said.

Pointing out that the parliamentary majority “will now shift according to the importance of laws and proposals,” the lawmaker added: “This will allow us to block a lot of laws that might harm the country's interest.”

“We will be able to push for the approval of a lot of laws that preserve the interests of the country and its citizens,” Raad went on to say.

His remarks come after Hizbullah and its allies achieved significant gains in the May parliamentary elections.

The polls were held under a proportional representation system in a first for Lebanon.