LF, FPM Engage in War of Words on Twitter over Electricity Plan

A war of words erupted again between the Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement over the controversial electricity file.

The dispute emerged following the electricity plan suggested in Cabinet by (FPM) Energy Minister Nada al-Bustani, and the formation of a ministerial committee to discuss the plan which raised criticisms of LF lawmakers and ministers.

In remarks he made on Twitter hinting at LF chief Samir Geagea, FPM deputy Eddy Maalouf said: “He did not get it right in medicine, nor in strategic options, nor in the refugees file and now he wants to advise us about electricity.”

Another FPM MP, Nicolas Sahnaoui also hinted at the LF saying “parties who want to obstruct the electricity plan have suspicious ends. As if they wish no success for plans presented by the FPM.”

Defending the LF positions, MP Eddy Abillamah said the LF positions were not personal, “we want practical steps for a plan that still does not know where to start. The waste of public funds is the result of unjustified stubbornness,” he said.

“A regulatory body and a board of directors to oversee the plan and follow-up file is required,” he said, denouncing smear campaigns targeting the LF.

MPs Imad Wakim and George Okais of the LF Strong Republic parliamentary bloc have also replied to the FPM’s rhetoric.

Criticising the FPM’s “failed” efforts since 2010 to make any progress in the country’s problematic electricity file, MP Joseph Isaac said: “We have been waiting for your theories, and the electricity since 2010 but things only got worse. The waste in that sector accounts for 40 percent of the budget deficit.”