Franjieh Meets Aoun: Obstructing Parliament Will Lead to Government Paralysis

Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh warned on Wednesday of the paralysis of the role of government, while hoping for the election of a strong president.

He said: “Obstructing parliament's role will lead to the paralysis of the government's functions through political means.”

He made his remarks after holding talks at Rabieh with Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun.

“We came to Rabieh to confirm our support to Aoun and his stances,” Franjieh told reporters after the meeting.

“The FPM approaches affairs in the same manner as his allies and we are waging the same battle with him,” he stressed.

Commenting on the presidential elections, Franjieh stated: “We will witness the election of a strong Maronite president, but the question remains how he will be elected.”

“We hope he is elected through consensus. The dispute over the elections will either end with consensus or a crisis,” he noted.

“The current deep political divide is causing the obstruction of the elections,” added the Marada Movement chief.

Moreover, he said that the Maronite Patriarchate will inevitably support any elected president.

“Bkirki should remain above all disputes,” he emphasized.

“Those keen on the country's highest Christian post should choose the country's true Christian representative,” explained Franjieh.

Lawmakers failed for a sixth time on Monday to elect a new president after quorum was not met at parliament.

The lack of quorum was caused by a boycott of the majority of March 8 alliance MPs due to the ongoing dispute with the rival March 14 camp over the elections.

The next elections session is scheduled for June 18.