The Change and Reform parliamentary bloc announced Tuesday that it is against “any encroachment on the president's powers,” amid a row between President Michel Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri over who between them has the jurisdiction to open an extraordinary legislative session.
“We reject any encroachment on the president's powers,” Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil said after the bloc's weekly meeting, adding that “the Constitution's articles are clear in this regard.”
He however reassured that “there is no political dispute” over the issue of opening an extraordinary session, noting that Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri are inclined to do so.
Turning to the issue of the latest electoral proposal – proportional representation in 15 districts – Bassil said the suggested law needs “several restraints” to ensure proper Christian representation.