Lebanon’s Speaker Berri: We Achieved Balance in Beirut, Will Contest Elections in South at Any Cost

By Al-Ahed News

Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri declared, “We fulfilled our role in the municipal elections in Beirut and achieved balance—to the extent that it is no longer appropriate to call us a Shiite duo, but rather a national duo.”

In an interview with Al-Modon online newspaper, the Speaker rejected the notion that the municipal elections would reshuffle the political cards or serve as a preview of next year’s parliamentary elections. For him, the indicators will be different.

“We brought opposites together in Beirut, but in the parliamentary elections, things will be different and they will inevitably disperse,” he said, in a veiled reference to the tactical alliance with the Lebanese Forces.

Regarding the South, Berri noted, “Our eyes remain on ‘Israel,’ fearing it may commit another act of folly.” Nonetheless, he affirmed, “We will proceed with the elections in the South under all circumstances and will contest them no matter the cost.”

He revealed that efforts with Hezbollah are focused on reaching consensus, adding: “The atmosphere will be largely consensual, and we’ve worked to make that happen.”

As for the Beqaa region, the Speaker said, “The Beqaa now speaks for itself, as all towns and villages have announced their support for the national duo.”