BATTLE IN LEBANESE PARLIMENT BETWEEN SPEAKER & MP KHALAF OVER CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY
January 25, 2024Yesterday, the Lebanese Parliament session called to discuss the budget began with a dispute between Change MP Melhem Khalaf and The Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri.
This occurred after Berri refused to allow Khalaf to speak “”constitutionally”” to address the illegality of any legislation being discussed in the absence of a president. And that the Lebanese Constitution which demands that no legislative business be discussed until the presidency is filled be obeyed.
It was an important reminder that Lebanon has been without a president for almost 15 months, since the presidency was vacated by former President, Michel Aoun, on 31st October 2022.
We applaud the stance of @melhemkhalafpm who has spent more than 365 days staging a sit-in in the Lebanese parliamentdemanding enforcement of the Lebanese Constitution.
Article 74 of the Constitution states that “”should the presidency become vacant…the chamber shall meet immediately and by virtue of the law to elect a successor.”
Article 75 states: “”The chamber… must proceed immediately, without discussion of any other act, to elect the head of the state.”
Parliament has held 12 sessions to elect a president without success.
Lebanon is sorely lacking law and order.
This is another fight that must be fought so as to achieve justice for the citizens of Lebanon who have endured untold catastrophes for the past 4 years and an economic crisis that has left families without shelter and food, and healthcare now only available for the wealthy and privileged.
Video credit: @mtvlebanon.news
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English Script:
Melhem Khalaf: Mr. speaker, if you allow me…
Nabih Berri: Later not now, I will allow you at the discussion time.
Melhem Khalaf: No Mr. speaker according to the constitution…
Nabih Berri: I will allow you at the discussion time, sit down please.
Melhem Khalaf: Mr. speaker I am following the constitution…
Nabih Berri: Sit down please…Budget Committee report.
Melhem Khalaf: We have to follow the constitution, there’s a constitution Mr. speaker…There is no priority over electing the President of the Republic
Nabih Berri: Understand what I am telling you…
Melhem Khalaf: Please Mr. Speaker…
Nabih Berri: At the discussion time you’ll speak…
Melhem Khalaf: It’s according to the constitution Mr. Speaker…
Nabih Berri: The discussion is according to the constitution…
Melhem Khalaf: Mr. Speaker, when the presidency is vacant, there is no priority over electing a President of the Republic. This Council, currently meeting, is a Council meeting in accordance with the provisions of Article 74
Nabih Berri: I will not make a hero of you and throw you out of the hall.
Another MP: No one leaves the hall.
Melhem Khalaf: No one will throw me out of the hall. If anyone throws me out of the hall it would be the Lebanese people.
