National Bloc: Hariri’s resignation is not enough… You must all step down

To no one’s surprise, after 9 months of teetering on the brink of collapse, PM-designate Saad Hariri abandoned his efforts to form the government.

To no one’s surprise, the political class refused to assume its responsibilities to repair what it has destroyed. This class is divided between those who are powerless and those refusing to form a Cabinet, even though Lebanon is going through the worst crisis in its history, and one of the worst crises in world’s history according to the World Bank.

To no one’s surprise, sects’ parties are gambling with the lives, security, and savings of the Lebanese people. Hezbollah, which is emboldened by a surplus of power and a handful of dollars, is waiting for a settlement with Iran; the Lebanese Forces are trying to renew their regional sponsorship; Hariri is flying from one capital to another looking for someone to protect him, in a shameful scene for every Lebanese man and woman.

To no one’s surprise, President Michel Aoun is not lifting a finger to prevent the collapse of a nation that he had promised to protect, but he failed every time. A President of the Republic who places the interests of his son-in-law ahead of the present and future of an entire people.

A period of nine months has passed, and 30 years before it, during which this ruling system excelled in wasting opportunities, plundering public money, evading accountability, and seeking help from abroad to intimidate local partners.

Today, they pose an existential threat to our nation, and the Lebanese people are in a position to defend themselves, their children, and their dignity. Hariri's departure does not only mean his catastrophic personal failure, but it is also the downfall of President Michel Aoun, in what he constitutes an obstacle to the formation of a transitional and independent government, capable of managing the collapse phase.

As we have said since October 2019, and have repeated since then, it is time for the people to restore their decision-making and sovereignty, and to impose a transitional government vested with legislative powers that will run the country, to stop the collapse and hold the elections.