Opposition MPs Slam ‘Expired’ Cabinet at Start of Parliamentary Session
March 14 opposition lawmakers launched a strong attack on Premier Najib Miqati’s government on Tuesday, describing it as an “expired” cabinet that took the country to the era of tutelage.
Deputy speaker Farid Makari was the first to address the parliament at the start of a three-day parliamentary session aimed at assessing the performance of the executive authority.
He said the cabinet was made up by a “forged majority” that was “born in the dark and forced us to live in the dark.”
Makari also described the government as “decomposing over its growing differences,” saying Miqati should resign before losing more credibility.
Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra continued with the criticism that the deputy speaker had started, saying the cabinet has taken the country back to the era of tutelage.
“Nobody trusts you anymore,” he told the ministers who flanked the premier at the session.
“Go back to your consciences,” he said as he urged “the de facto forces” to provide his personal protection so that he could take part in the 2013 elections.
He also slammed the government for involvement in the red diesel scandal, for severe power cuts and bad mobile phone services.
MP Robert Ghanem, who was next on the list of around 50 lawmakers to address the parliament, called for a serious dialogue to protect the country and the Lebanese.
Deputy Marwan Hamadeh also launched a scathing attack on the government, saying its policy of distancing itself from Syria was “backing the killers,” in reference to the Assad regime which has launched a deadly clampdown on protestors since March last year.
The majority “will not accept the arms to replace their election ballots,” he said in reference to Hizbullah’s weapons.
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