Lebanon’s Cabinet held its regular session on Thursday at the Grand Serail. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired it. The session went beyond the administrative agenda. It became a stage for sharp exchanges on hot files: electricity, the state’s monopoly on weapons, and the explosives shipment found at Dahr el-Baidar.
Lebanese Forces ministers walk out
The tension showed clearly inside and outside the session. Lebanese Forces ministers withdrew in protest at how the electricity file was being handled. Discussion continued on how to increase electricity supply hours and secure the energy resources needed. Most of the ordinary agenda items were approved to keep public services running.
Ministers speak to The Speech
On the sidelines, several ministers gave statements to The Speech. They revealed differing approaches to the current crises.
Information Minister Paul Morcos responded to talk that some parliamentary blocs are unhappy with the government’s performance and its handling of the weapons file. He stressed that granting confidence belongs to Parliament alone. Parliament, he noted, renewed its confidence in the government a few weeks ago.
On the Dahr el-Baidar explosives shipment, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadi spoke after the party admitted the shipment was its own. He said the current position is that the file should be referred immediately to the Judicial Council.
Education Minister denies the government has fallen
Education Minister Dr. Rima Karami addressed the resignation of her adviser. She said he had expressed his personal opinion, and she thanked him for his earlier efforts and help.
She also rejected speculation that the government would fall. Karami flatly denied reports that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government had “fallen clinically.” She said the ministers are determined to keep carrying their national responsibilities and to complete the mission with all the ministry’s capacity.
