Geagea: The opposition constituted “political blackmail”
“For three years, the March 8 forces have said that their demand is participation, which can only be attained through the deactivating third,” but Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said. “After give and take, we gave them the deactivating third. Then they demanded the balanced distribution of [ministerial] portfolios.”
The opposition then demanded the end of “monopoly” over the Ministry of Finance, he continued. “We proposed they take the Ministry of Finance in return for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at which point they refused to answer and moved on to other demands, such as the reason that the president would get two security ministries.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Maarab, Geagea said the opposition constituted “political blackmail” and would not stop their attempts at taking control. “This is unacceptable and will not lead to the formation of the government or the construction of the country,” he added.
Geagea said it was “natural” that the Lebanese Forces would be represented by a Maronite minister.