Presidential Office Calls for Mandatory Parliamentary Consultations to Name Prime Minister on Monday /  Competition Between Mikati Backed by the Duo, Jumblatt, and Makhzoumi Supported by Geagea and Gemayel

 January 11, 2025

The political editor wrote

The caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, may find his recent visit to Damascus and the initiation of discussions on organising bilateral relations – guided by the priorities outlined in President General Joseph Aoun’s inaugural address – either his final act in office or the first step in a new tenure. This depends on whether he is reappointed to form the new government following President Aoun’s call for mandatory parliamentary consultations to nominate the first prime minister of the new term. These consultations, set to last throughout Monday, will culminate in the announcement of the candidate with the highest parliamentary support.

Opposition blocs are convening Sunday evening to select their nominee, following Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea’s announcement of two potential candidates: MPs Ashraf Rifi and Fouad Makhzoumi. Sources within the participating blocs suggest Makhzoumi as the likely choice, given his chances of securing additional backing from independent MPs and groups outside the meeting. Makhzoumi’s camp has reportedly been engaging with the Free Patriotic Movement and Beirut MPs to negotiate agreements related to cabinet representation and portfolio allocation in exchange for his nomination.

Meanwhile, Najib Mikati enjoys the support of major blocs, including the Amal-Hezbollah alliance, the Democratic Gathering, Marada Movement, National Accord, National Moderation, independent MPs, and Tashnag MPs. The stance of the Change MPs remains fluid, with some leaning toward nominating Mikati. The Free Patriotic Movement’s decision will be pivotal in shaping the final outcome.

In the region, over 30 airstrikes by U.S., British, and Israeli warplanes targeted multiple Yemeni provinces, including the capital, Sanaa. Despite claims of targeting military objectives, the strikes predominantly hit civilian, economic, and infrastructure sites. Yemeni sources suggest that Sanaa is considering expanding its countermeasures, with the recent targeting of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier signaling the potential inclusion of U.S. bases in the region as targets. Clear warnings may also be sent to the U.S., indicating Yemen’s readiness to shut down the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to energy and other trade if aggression persists.