Arslan Resigns from Cabinet: Miqati Conspired against National Unity

Lebanese Democratic Party leader State Minister and MP Talal Arslan announced on Monday his resignation from the newly-formed government whose lineup was revealed earlier in the day.

He said during a press conference: “In line with my convictions, I announce before the Lebanese people my resignation from the government of the so-called Premier Najib Miqati whom I am not honored to be seated next to.”

He added that he had nothing against all other ministers in Cabinet.

“Miqati tried to create a problem between me and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, the Resistance, and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat,” he said.

“Such practices are deception and a conspiracy against national unity,” the MP stressed.

“I believe that the worst is yet,” he continued.

Arslan said that it was unfortunate that discrimination was adopted in the formation process and that the issue of the distribution of sovereign portfolios was dealt with in an “inappropriate” manner.

“I cannot condone how the Druze, Catholics, Alawites, and other sects were treated with such discrimination,” the MP added.

“It’s as if the Druze aren’t allowed to acquire the Interior, Finance, Defense, and Foreign Ministries,” he noted.

“This is a conspiracy against the social contract and national principles,” he stressed.

“It demonstrates the fragility of our political system, which has become marred with discrimination,” Arslan noted.

“I cannot take part in a government, which Miqati says the Druze aren’t allowed to acquire a sovereign portfolio,” he revealed.

The MP demanded that Speaker Nabih Berri set him as the first speaker at the parliament session dedicated to granting the government confidence, adding that the Lebanese Democratic Party will not grant it confidence.

Arslan urged his supporters to remain calm “as we have a peaceful political agenda.”

His supporters had blocked the Khaldeh international highway in protest against his appointment as state minister.

The army has since reopened the road.

Arslan had demanded that he be granted with a sovereign portfolio in government, voicing his rejection of a state ministry.