The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and the Lebanese Forces are not enthusiastic about the return of Saad Hariri to the premiership, as shown by recent meetings and statements made by party officials.

 

 

The PSP and LF stance therefore dissipated expectations on a possible breakthrough in the cabinet formation process before the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Beirut early next month.

 

 

As part of the ongoing meetings held to discuss the government lineup, Speaker Nabih Berri sat down Saturday with MP Wael Abou Faour, dispatched from head of the PSP Walid Jumblat.

 

 

Abou Faour did not make a statement after the meeting.

 

 

However, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the PSP delegation was not enthusiastic about the return of Hariri to the premiership.

 

 

Before the meeting, Jumblatt made a surprising position on his Twitter account. “Our party is not linked to any other political movement. We do not owe anyone any favor,” he tweeted.

 

 

Despite his stance, Berri and Hezbollah are in favor of nominating Hariri.

 

 

The sources did not rule out a change in the position of Jumblatt, who in general ends up supporting the Speaker’s stances.

 

 

But the LF seems to be adamant to reject Hariri’s presence at the Grand Serail. MP Pierre Abu Assi said Saturday that Hariri is no longer the savior.

 

 

The position of President Michel Aoun’s camp and the Free Patriotic Movement led by his son-in-law remains unclear.

 

 

Reports said this week that during his meeting with Berri, FPM chief MP Gebran Bassil did not react positively to the Speaker’s proposal on bringing back Hariri to the premiership.

 

 

But Bassil’s sources swiftly responded by saying that he and Berri did not discuss the names of candidates for the PM’s post.