Project Watan: The opportunity must not be missed, a government of competencies with portfolio rotation is needed

Project Watan’s Executive Board held its weekly meeting, chaired by MP Neemat Frem and attended by all members, to discuss the latest developments. The following statement was issued afterward:

• “The Executive Board reflected on the stark contrast between two unfolding scenes: the return of southerners to their towns and villages, met with empathy, admiration, and caution, and the motorcycle rallies in certain streets of Beirut and other regions, where provocative slogans were voiced, provoking disapproval and rejection. In this context, the Board emphasized that resorting to old political tactics in the new phase is fundamentally at odds with the aspirations of the Lebanese people, who seek a fresh path to turn the page on a dark chapter and usher in a renewed Lebanon.
• The Board urged all political forces to facilitate the formation of the government in this critical and pivotal moment, in order to maintain the momentum driven by internal, Arab and international support – momentum essential for navigating this dire period. Preserving this rare opportunity is crucial, as squandering it could lead to a catastrophic downfall. The conferees also called for serious engagement in the project of building the Lebanese state as the only framework capable of ensuring stability and genuine national partnership.
• The Executive Board called for the swift formation of a constitutional government composed of competent individuals, based on the principle of clear portfolio rotation and free from narrow sectarian quotas. A positive shock is needed today to reinforce the prevailing atmosphere of optimism through the formation of a government capable of:
• Reconstructing the state, which has been completely destroyed.
• Rebuilding Lebanon after the war and attracting foreign investments.
• Fulfilling the international obligations, which include the election of a president and the designation of a Prime minister – steps that have already been achieved. Now, Lebanon is under international scrutiny regarding the formation of a government composed of qualified individuals, one that breaks away from past models of power-sharing, corruption, and quotas.
• As long as we are in a ceasefire phase, negotiations remain possible. To avoid another devastating war or internal security chaos, we must shed the cloak of denial, seize this opportunity, and restore Lebanon’s image both internally and internationally. We must take the lead in the reform process and make bold, conclusive decisions in light of this historic chance to build the long-awaited, true Lebanese state.