After Doubts, LF Declares Participation in Government

Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea on Monday said his party will be more useful from inside the government, noting the LF decision to partake in the future government dismissing all doubts a day earlier that it would do otherwise.

“The Lebanese Forces decided to participate in the government despite injustice made to us, because our presence from within is more useful,” declared Geagea in a press conference.

He listed the number of ministerial portfolios allocated for each parliamentary bloc in comparison to those allocated for the LF. He said the Strong Lebanon bloc (of the Free Patriotic Movement) alone, was allocated three key portfolios.

Pointing to attempts to exclude the party from the future government, he said: “Their intentions are to exclude us because we have proven ability to stop bargains mainly the ones linked to the electricity deal.”

He said the six-month delay to shape the government was the result of attempts to undermine the LF.

The LF has agreed to be given the deputy prime minister post, the ministerial portfolios of social affairs, culture, and labor which President Michel Aoun (FPM founder) has claimed before.