Maronite patriarch: early elections and new government to heal a wounded nation
In his Sunday homily, the cardinal attacks a "political class" that only wants to save itself. An emergency executive is useless if it is not the reflection of a "true unity". Parliamentary groups and parties must take up "the challenge of change". The security forces have the task of "protecting" the young people who demonstrate.
Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Early parliamentary elections and a government with the aim of saving the nation and its inhabitants, not the "ruling class" of a nation torn apart by the two explosions in Beirut on August 4, the economic crisis and the Coronavirus emergency.
The birth of an executive of national unity, the cardinal added yesterday in his Sunday Mass homily, is counterproductive if it does not reflect "true unity".
“Let everyone know that there can be no national unity government without real unity nor a rescue government without rescuer figures,” al-Rahi said in his Sunday Mass sermon.
“There can be no consensus government without consensus on reforms. Together with the people we want a government for the state and the people, not a government for parties, sects or foreign countries,” the patriarch added.
He cautioned that the Maronite patriarchate “will reject and confront every settlement plan that comes at Lebanon’s expense.” “This is what the patriarchate has done every time Lebanon has been in danger,” al-Rahi said.
For Card Raï, parliamentary groups and political factions must take up the "challenge" of "change", of calling early elections "without waiting for a new electoral law" and of giving birth to an executive capable of satisfying the legitimate demands of the people. And that draws the foundation of its power and authority in the "preamble of the Constitution".
The incident at the port of the capital in early August caused 177 deaths and over 6,500 injured, devastating entire neighborhoods and fueling the anger of a large part of the civilian population, according to which it is a direct consequence of a corrupt and incompetent political class. At least 300 thousand people have been left homeless and in dire need; for them AsiaNews has launched the campaign "In aid of devastated Beirut".
“The people want a government for the rescue of Lebanon, not a government for the rescue of the ruling authorities and the political class. The people want a government that would be harmonious with them, not with the external powers, a government whose components would meet over a reform project,” al-Rahi added.
He also said that reform should not only be limited to administrative reform but should also entail “the reform of the national decision with its political, security and military aspects.”
In recent days, following the explosions, several parliamentarians have resigned in protest; however, the number of those who left is not sufficient for the dissolution of the Chamber and the calling of early elections. At the end of the homily, the Maronite patriarch turned to the security forces to "embrace and protect the young people" who protest. “There is no security without freedom - he concluded - and there is no authority without a people. We will rise up against all projects that are to the detriment of Lebanon "and" we will not accept "that the country becomes" a card in the hands of the nations that want to reconnect their relations at the expense of the Lebanese people ".
PIME Foundation:
- International Bank Account Number (IBAN): IT78C0306909606100000169898
- Bank Identifier Code (BIC): BCITITMM
- Reason for transfer: AN04 – HELP DEVASTATED BEIRUT
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