Lebanon ‘Very Close’ To Government Formation

As reported by multiple news outlets, including Annahar, Caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil stated after meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab: “We are on the brink of forming a government made up of experts.”

Lebanon is on the verge of forming its new Cabinet after months of political turmoil. MP Khalil confirmed that the government will include 18 experts yet did not disclose these experts’ political or partisan affiliation.

Would protesters settle for experts from political parties at this stage? We will have to wait and see the reaction in the streets after this formal announcement is set in stone.

So far, upon the release of the latest line-up, the reactions have been that of angry disproval and more protests. 

Hassan Diab, who was recently designated Lebanon’s Prime Minister, vowed that he would form a government of independent experts but has indeed faced pressure from some of Lebanon’s political parties.

Reportedly, the decision for a government formed exclusively of experts who are “independent” of political affiliation was met with resistance from the Amal Movement, Hezbollah, as well as the Free Patriotic Movement.

Since the beginning of this week, Lebanon’s ongoing revolution has witnessed a new wave of protests, igniting yet another week of turmoil, closed roads, and protester-police violence.

Security Forces have since been condemned for their violence, their attacks on reporters and the media, as well as their detainment of close to 100 individuals arbitrarily; as of the latest reports.

Crowds have rallied everywhere this week, from Downtown Beirut and major bridges across the country to the Ministry of Interior, the Lebanese Central Bank, Hassan Diab’s home as well as the home of the Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities Raya Al-Hassan.

Large groups of students across Lebanon have protested and demonstrated in front of schools and universities as well.

Student protests from schools in Tripoli, Jounieh, Beirut, and the American University of Beirut are all making headlines.

Although the Lebanese Army has been attempting to open roads all week, the situation on the roads is still unpredictable.

So if you do insist on leaving your home this week, do yourself and the country a favor, park your car and march in one of the passionate demonstrations taking place near you.