23 June 2021; MEMO: Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has reiterated his support for Saad Hariri as Prime Minister-designate, saying Hariri enjoys the support of his sect, Lebanon's Dar Al-Fatwa and members of the parliament.
Speaking to Annahar newspaper, Berri said his initiative to form a government is still in place, and he will not back down unless another acceptable initiative is proposed.
He pointed out that Lebanon cannot tolerate a delay or wait for parliamentary elections, even early ones, because they will not take place in less than three or four months, and the country may witness a complete collapse during that period.
He added that if Hariri resigns, there will be a complete collapse, noting that "he is afraid in terms of security".
Veteran Sunni Muslim politician Hariri was named premier for a fourth time in October, promising to form a cabinet of specialists to enact reforms needed to unlock foreign aid, but the process has stalled over nominations of ministers.
The political impasse has prevented Lebanon from launching reforms that potential donors insist are a precondition for aid. Meanwhile, foreign reserves are running out and fuel shortages, power cuts and gaps in medical supplies are spreading.
Under a sectarian power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim.
The former government has continued in a caretaker capacity after having resigned in the aftermath of the 4 August Beirut port blast.
