Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi emphasized the need for political compromises in Lebanon so that none of the local factions feels defeated, saying that he does not fear for Lebanon or its system.
In a meeting with a delegation from the Editors’ Syndicate, the patriarch raised concerns over Lebanon’s ongoing presidential vacuum and the absence of Christian representation in the government, questioning the current legitimacy of parliamentary and governmental actions.
"Where is national partnership in the work of the government and parliament when the Christian element is missing and the presidency remains vacant?" Al-Rahi asked.
He emphasized that Christians cannot be blamed for the lingering presidential election impasse. Instead, the patriarch said it is Speaker Nabih Berri's duty to convene the parliament and hold continuous sessions until a president is elected.
“The parliament has been closed for one and a half year. This is an abandonment of the Constitution and reasonable governance," he deplored. "I am completely against any pre-agreement on a presidential candidate."
On the issue of the mass displacement crisis caused by the ongoing conflict, Al-Rahi announced the formation of a follow-up committee stemming from the recent spiritual summit hosted by the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkirki, saying that it will be tasked with handling this issue.
https://en.kataeb.org/articles/maronite-patriarch-christians-not-to-be-blamed-for-presidential-void-