Despite the increasing number of issues at hand, the presidential file remains essential amidst efforts from various external parties to urge the Lebanese people to accomplish it before financial and security challenges worsen, in addition to the current humanitarian suffering.
According to political sources revealed to “Sawt Beirut International,” internal discussions have not yet yielded any results, with external forces throwing the ball into the internal court without ceasing their own efforts.

The sources explained that the discussions regarding the presidential file and the names involved between the Lebanese Forces party and the Free Patriotic Movement have not made any progress whatsoever. However, this does not mean that consensus is impossible or that the situation is at a deadlock. Any development that could make a difference in the presidential file has not occurred between the two parties.

Furthermore, there has been no significant development that would change the positions of political blocs and actors. The sources quoted an Orange Movement leader as saying that it is not enough for the Lebanese Forces to seek an agreement with the Free Patriotic Movement; something broader and within a wider framework should be achieved.
The sources also clarified that a deadline of June 15 has been set by the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, to resolve the presidential file. It is possible that progress may or may not be achieved in the coming weeks, and these weeks are crucial. Even at the external level, through the Arab meetings held on the sidelines of the Arab summit, the evaluative atmosphere has oscillated between a strong possibility of electing a president before “Berri’s deadline” and pessimism regarding its occurrence.
The sources also pointed out that the recent Saudi stance and the French initiative have, so far, not led to a change in the positions of parliamentary blocs. They have not been sufficient to alter the current equation or to decisively favor any candidate or proposed name for the election. However, both Riyadh and Paris will continue their efforts, in addition to the endeavors of the countries under the umbrella of the Quint Committee.
The sources also emphasized that no external party has achieved a decisive breakthrough or breach, and the key still remains with the parliamentary blocs and the political actors behind them. It can be said that there is slow progress, but it has not reached a conclusive stage. Any significant breach would lead to the resolution of the presidential file, while the continuation of entrenched positions would result in a continuation of the state of oscillation.