Lebanon: Roukoz Calls For Govt With Exceptional Powers to Implement Reforms
Arab World
Beirut- Paula Astih
MP Shamel Roukoz deplored warnings that the resignation of the government would put the country into chaos and uncertainty. He stressed, however, that a new Cabinet would give a fresh feeling of confidence both for the Lebanese people and the international community. Roukoz has recently announced his withdrawal from the Strong Lebanon parliamentary bloc, which is headed by Foreign Minister and MP Gebran Bassil. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he called for the formation of a government of competent ministers, not necessarily technocrats, with the possibility of having exceptional powers to implement the required reforms. “More importantly, any new government should gain the confidence of the people before it gets the confidence of the parliament. It shouldn’t be a government of quotas. The larger the size of the government, the more the parties will rush to share quotas,” Roukoz emphasized. He also noted that deputies should not be appointed ministers, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the new government pursuant to the principle of the separation of powers. Moreover, he called for the adoption of the standards of efficiency, competence, and ethics in the selection of ministers. The Lebanese deputy criticized some parties for considering the street protests as a conspiracy against the state, saying: “The street has not and will not be an enemy of the state or the president.” “People have taken to the streets as a result of suffering; and since we are a democratic country… it is the duty of officials to listen to the voice of the protesters and their demands,” he remarked. Roukoz highlighted a possibility to agree on a new government formation within two days if there were positive intentions, “as long as the criteria to be followed are clear.”
from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1968246/lebanon-roukoz-calls-govt-exceptional-powers-implement-reforms
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