BEIRUT: The head of the Beirut Bar Association slammed the continued paralysis in the presidential seat Saturday, demanding politicians rise to the occasion and elect a new head of state, during a mass rally outside Baabda Palace to mark the 71 anniversary of Independence Day.
“Our main concern is not to fill the vacant seat but to maintain the functioning of a democratic republic and a balance of power,” George Jreij said, surrounded by dozens of lawyers who marched to Baabda Palace amid tight security measures.
"We have the right to speak out and we have the right to a respected republic, to have a capable state.”
"Doing the right thing [by canceling the celebrations] does not fill a vacuum. ... We want actions based on national responsibility. We want a president for this palace.”
Baabda Palace has been vacant since May 25 when former President Michel Sleiman departed the presidential seat, ending his six-year term without a replacement as politicians remain unable to elect a consensus candidate for the post.
Along with several scout associations, lawyers marched toward Baabda Palace, carrying Lebanese flags and wearing court dress.
Jreij, reading the Bar Association’s statement, said the group rejected constitutional violations and accused politicians of waiting for foreign powers to resolve the stalled election.
"We will not allow the paralysis to extend to all of the republic. The Bar Association rejects these constitutional violations and we refuse to see Lebanon waiting at the front doors of countries waiting for the password to elect a president,” he said.
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