MP Criticizes Current Political Handling and Stresses the Importance of Holding Elections on Time!

Lebanon Today

The Parliament was unable to achieve the required legal quorum, which led to the disruption of the legislative session due to pressure from the opposition and the “Lebanese Forces.” As a result, legislation on laws that concern citizens has stopped. MP Qassem Hashem believes that the boycott is a mistake, and that participating in legislation is the right way.

MP Qassem Hashem stated to “Red TV” on the sidelines of the session that the accusations directed at President Nabih Berri are unjustified, and expressed his regret that political dealings have reached this level that ignores the interests of the country, stressing the importance of stability at this stage in light of the challenges and pressures facing Lebanon.

He also stressed the need to find common ground among the Lebanese to protect the country in light of the current difficult circumstances.

Regarding the inclusion of the urgent repeated draft law on the session’s agenda, he explained that today’s session is a continuation of the previous session with the same agenda, and is not a new session.

He confirmed that there is no possibility of including a proposal to allow expatriates to vote for the 128 deputies, because the agenda is limited to proposals and draft laws remaining from the previous session.

Regarding what the Council of Ministers will issue regarding the proposals of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior regarding the electoral law, he preferred not to anticipate matters before the Council of Ministers session or the upcoming legislative session and what may be decided, considering that each incident has its own context, and that developments are likely to occur.

He said: “But if we are looking for the benefit, we must focus on what serves the general stability, and as long as there is a law in force, let us take it and hold the elections, and the important thing today is to hold the elections on time, and there is a law in force on the basis of which the elections must be held, and let us not enter the country into squabbles that we can do without.”

Regarding the pressure exerted on the deputies, he indicated that contacts are always taking place between the deputies, which is normal, and that each political team seeks to serve its point of view. He explained that the other team was clear in calling for the session to be disrupted, expressing his criticism of this matter and emphasizing that attending sessions and approving projects is the basis.