After his meeting with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Center House on Thursday evening, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Elias Bou Saab stated that Lebanon is going through a critical phase that could have been less complicated if the approach of dialogue and communication that characterized Hariri’s experience in the past had continued, stressing that his experience, political acumen, and ability to manage difficult crises represented a glimmer of hope for the Lebanese to emerge from successive crises.
Bou Saab explained that this annual meeting with Prime Minister Hariri always carries a special emotional dimension, expressing his hope that this communication will not be limited to an annual occasion, but rather that it will turn into a more influential role in political life, given Lebanon’s need for a comprehensive reference capable of facilitating dialogue between the various parties.
He added that, as usual, he felt the loyalty of the environment surrounding Prime Minister Hariri, stressing that the popular base is still committed to his leadership, and that the “House of the Center” will remain an unforgettable address, stressing that Lebanon today is in dire need of this reference in order to restore trust and communication among the Lebanese.
Regarding the possibility of Prime Minister Hariri returning to the political arena, Bou Saab explained that this is a personal decision that is up to him alone, whether with regard to running for elections or supporting other candidates, revealing that he wished for Hariri to have a presence in the political scene in any way, based on his awareness of the public interest, indicating that the popularity that Hariri enjoys still exists, and that national responsibility remains an essential factor in his decisions.
Bou Saab stressed that Prime Minister Hariri was never absent from political life, whether at the level of thought or approach, noting that the discussion between them dealt with major issues, including the status of the government and the army, the exclusivity of weapons, the election law, and the disputes related to it.
In this context, Bou Saab warned of the seriousness of the loopholes in the current election law, considering that the dispute over it is not just a detail, but may threaten the entire electoral process, especially with regard to expatriate voting. He criticized the lack of necessary legislative treatment, pointing out that there are dozens of legal proposals pending in committees, and the refusal of some political forces to open a serious discussion about them.
Bou Saab concluded his speech by emphasizing that continued obstruction could lead to a major crisis, warning against reaching a stage where “force majeure” is invoked as a reason for not holding elections, in the absence of any serious approach to a solution.
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