Ghanem underlines limits to government”s power

 

Presidential hopeful MP Robert Ghanem said on Friday that the government could not handle all presidential authorities, because there are “some limits” on its power, as established by the Constitution.

 

Talks about having the Constitution amended emerged after various political players expressed their approval for having commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Michel Suleiman elected as president. For Suleiman to be elected, the Parliament will have to amend the Constitution that prevents senior state employees, including army commanders, from running for the post while in office.

 

“There should be the widest participation possible when deciding to amend the Constitution; this is why the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority for any decision to be taken. The proposal to amend the Constitution should come from the prime minister or 10 MPs,” Ghanem said in a statement, adding that the easiest way was through having 10 MPs submit the petition.