Lebanon's top Christian cleric said on Sunday that it was "shameful" that politicians had yet to form a new cabinet nearly three months after the election.
Many Lebanese view the long-entrenched ruling elite as plagued by corruption and dysfunction. accuses Lebanon of being in a financial and economic meltdown that has pushed 8 out of 10 people into poverty.
In his weekly sermon, Maronite Patriarch Beshara Boutros al-Ray criticized Lebanon's progress to secure a maritime boundary pact with its longtime enemy Israel and the paralysis of domestic politics. elicited an unfavorable comparison.
“Isn't it a shame that the authorities are striving to reach an agreement with Israel on the maritime border but refrain from forming a government? ?"He said.
countries] Political, economic, financial and social decline? ' he added.
Rai wields great influence in Lebanon. Lebanon's political system is based on power-sharing between various Muslim and Christian denominations, with the presidency reserved for Catholic Maronites.
In addressing politicians about the crisis, Rai appeared to be breaking the deadlock.
Patriarch Maronite said an "ugly campaign in the media" had emerged later this year aimed at delaying the formation of a government and the election of a new president.
Rai said , hinted at an escalating dispute between President Michel Aoun and Interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who was reappointed after May's parliamentary elections and is struggling to form a new cabinet.
Mikati said that in June he presented his lineup to Aoun in a quick draft his cabinet, and Aoun suggested a different composition, but is sticking with it.
Last week, Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement issued a series of statements accusing Mikati of delaying the formation of a cabinet and even amassing wealth through corruption.
Mikati's office responded that Aoun's party was far from reality in Lebanon.
