Mikati says govt. to assume president powers in event of presidential 'vacancy'

Caretaker PM and PM-designate Najib Mikati stressed Monday that the constitution allows the caretaker cabinet to assume presidential powers in the event of a presidential void.

"There is nothing called presidential vacuum but rather vacancy, and the constitution is clear in this regard. This government would assume the president's powers in the event of any presidential vacancy," Mikati added, following talks at his Beirut residence with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat.

He added thay "all the constitutional opinions and consultations that have so far been issued have emphasized that the constitution stipulates that the powers would be transferred to the government, without specifying if it's a caretaker government or not."

"The constitution is truly against vacuum and all initiatives in the presidential file are good," Mikati said.

He accordingly called on parliamentary blocs to go to parliament to elect a president, stressing that the presidential vote must take place on time.