The slim majority in favor of Nabih Berri’s reelection ( 65 votes out of the 128 parliament members ) as Lebanon’s parliament Speaker on Tuesday was a reflection of a significant shift in public opinion in the crumbling economy on the verge of bankruptcy.
Beirut- Lebanon’s longtime parliament speaker who has held the post for 30 years, was reelected Tuesday for a seventh four-year term with the minimum number of votes needed ( 65 votes out of the 128 parliament members ) and despite multiple crises plaguing the nation.
Still, the slim majority in favor of Nabih Berri was a reflection of a significant shift in public opinion in the crumbling economy on the verge of bankruptcy. His reelection was practically guaranteed — even though more than a dozen new lawmakers won seats running on a reform platform.
The new legislature is being ushered in as Lebanon remains in the grip of the worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history, rooted in decades of corruption and mismanagement by the ruling class, which has been running the country since the end of the 1975-90 civil war.
To most Lebanese, Berri, an 84-year-old former warlord, is a symbol of this entrenched sectarian-based political system and corrupt ruling class, which continues to hold despite rising discontent and the newly elected, reform-minded lawmakers.
As leader of the Shiite Amal movement, which is closely allied with the Iran backed Hezbollah militant group, Berri is virtually untouchable – always running uncontested. The two parties hold all 27 seats allotted to Shiites in parliament under Lebanon’s power-sharing system.
Under an antiquated confessional system, the Lebanese presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister’s post is held by a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker’s position goes to a Shiite Muslim.
MetroHealth policies to undergo independent audit in response to former CEO’s bonuses
An independent auditor has been hired to review MetroHealth’s policies as the health system continues to investigate what it says were $1.9 million in unauthorized bonuses given to former President and CEO Akram Boutros. The MetroHealth Board of Trustees approved the...
Lebanon arrests 185 suspected of spying for Israel
Lebanon has arrested 185 people suspected of collaborating with Israel since Lebanon's economic collapse three years ago, which left many Lebanese desperate for cash, two security sources told AFP on Wednesday. That number has jumped significantly from a previous...
Powerball winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022; jackpot $100 million
The Powerball lottery selected winning numbers in its Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, drawing for a jackpot estimated at $100 million. The numbers are 6-28-44-59-61 Powerball 21 Power Play 2x. The Classic Lotto numbers are 8-22-27-28-45-46 Kicker 842388. The jackpot for...
Submit your event
We will be happy to share your events. Please email us the details and pictures at publish@profilenewsohio.com
Address
P.O. Box: 311001 Independance, Ohio, 44131
Call Us
+1 (216) 269 3272
Email Us
Publish@profilenewsohio.com