Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat held talks with the French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo late on Wednesday and discussed the latest developments.

European and American authorities “must” raise pressure, and even impose “sanctions” on Lebanon’s political class in order to ease the hurdles delaying a much-needed government in the crisis-hit country, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.

PM-designate Saad Hariri will visit Baabda Palace on Thursday after an argument with President Michel Aoun over the government formation, al-Mustaqbal Movement official and former MP Moustafa Allouch said.

President Michel Aoun should call for an “early presidential vote” if he is “unable” to sign the decrees of a specialist, nonpartisan government, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said on Wednesday, in a swift response to remarks voiced by the president.

President Michel Aoun called on PM-designate Saad Hariri on Wednesday to “make way” for someone else to form the new government if he is incapable of carrying out the mission.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil held talks Wednesday at his Laqlouq residence with Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov.

Caretaker Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni on Wednesday ordered the payment of an advance worth LBP 50 billion to the High Relief Council.

A clash erupted Wednesday afternoon in Beirut’s Aisha Bakkar area in connection with roadblocking protests in the neighborhood, the National News Agency said.

Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh on Wednesday said he raised with caretaker Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni ideas that can lower the dollar exchange rate in Lebanon after it reached record levels in recent days.

Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat on Wednesday said Lebanon was facing very tough days ahead, stressing the need for political compromises and government formation to steer the country out of its crisis.