Under the call of unicameral leader Nabih Berri, lawmakers will attend the plenary session to discuss the former president’s message regarding the limited powers of the Cabinet of Ministers to assume responsibilities during the period of vacancy.
Before leaving the Baabda presidential palace last Sunday, Aoun signed a decree resigning from the government amid a lack of will to form it since Najib Miqati was re-elected prime minister last June.
In response, Miqati reiterated to Parliament his commitment to his constitutional duties, including conducting business, unless Parliament takes a different view and deems the resignation document worthless.
Since last May’s parliamentary elections, the Lebanese government has resigned and is temporarily carrying out its constitutional duties and responsibilities, such as overseeing day-to-day operations, without any major projects.
In this sense, the wording of Article 69 of the Constitution sees the Cabinet as resigned if its chief resigns, more than a third of its members are lost at the beginning of the term of office of the new President of the Republic of the legislature and if Parliament of its own motion votes no confidence or vote.
After four unsuccessful sessions in parliament, Lebanon faces a power vacuum as there is no consensus on appointing the next representative of the Maronite Christian community as head of state.
Yesterday incumbent Berri apologized for not pursuing the call for dialogue due to objections and reservations, particularly from the Lebanese Armed Forces and Free Patriotic Current blocs.
The devaluation of the national currency, high costs of food, hospitalization, education, transport and electricity are exacerbating Lebanon’s crisis amid a constitutional vacancy with a functioning government and parliamentary disagreements.
jf/yma