Mikati's intention to convene cabinet rekindles tensions with FPM

Reports about caretaker PM Najib Mikati’s inclination to call for a caretaker cabinet session have reignited his standoff with the Free Patriotic Movement, which refuses that any session be held amid the ongoing presidential vacuum.

In a statement issued overnight, the FPM had warned that such a session would “violate the constitution,” stressing that it will not “bow to any blackmail.”

Ministerial sources linked to the FPM meanwhile told al-Akhbar newspaper that the Movement is inclined to boycott any cabinet session, amid reports that FPM chief Jebran Bassil will hold a meeting soon with the ministers who are close to him and those who are loyal to ex-president Michel Aoun.

“The call for a cabinet session would deepen the rift between the FPM and its ally in the government Hezbollah,” informed sources told the daily, adding that the participation of Hezbollah’s ministers in such a session has not been confirmed until the moment.

“The Aounists will escalate the situation should Mikati decide to hold a cabinet session,” the sources added.

Sources close to Mikati meanwhile said that “the decision to call for a cabinet session has not been taken yet” and that the premier is still mulling “the stances of ministers” over such a session.

The sources, however, added that “Mikati will not back down from this right, because there are living and social matters that require this.”

“The mission now is to secure a two-thirds quorum for the session, as per the stipulations of Article 65,” the sources added.