The Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, deemed that “the parliament deliberately neglects its fundamental duty of electing a president for the republic, leaving a care-taker government stagnant due to constant boycotts, thus causing obstruction and affecting the people, resulting in poverty due to these practices.”

In decisive remarks during his Sunday sermon, Al-Rahi stated, “Do not tamper with the top leadership of the army until a president for the republic is elected. It is not permissible to rely on what happened in other institutions to avoid a void there. Here, the matter is linked to safeguarding security throughout Lebanese territory and borders, especially in the south under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.” Additionally, he added, “Any change in the army requires wisdom and should not be exploited for personal agendas.”

He further emphasized, “Elect a president for the republic and cease gambling with the state.”