Mr. Mikati Must Form A Single Colour Cabinet

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By Ghassan Karam

A team must be cohesive if it wishes to succeed. Its members must all share an understanding and a commitment to the goal so that they can execute the plays flawlessly. Unless they can communicate and cooperate selflessly then their efforts will not be in harmony and will result in missed plays and a record of bad calls.

Government cabinets are not any different. A cabinet must be composed of members that share a vision of what needs to be accomplished so that all ministries would align their policies and efforts in order to reinforce each other. Furthermore as challenges arise the discussions will be collegial and not antagonistic. These matters are elementary and are used as a guide in cabinet formations all over the world. Unfortunately, this very simple and obvious idea is not being heeded in Lebanon and the results have been simply disastrous. The last two Lebanese governments have failed to have any meaningful accomplishments in any field and have resulted in nothing else but governing paralysis and dogmatic infighting. These results were to be expected since the structure of the last two cabinets has been anything but homogenous; in a sense the members did not even speak the same language. The cabinets have resembled the biblical story about confusion, lack of effectiveness and disarray told about the Tower of Babel.

It has often been said that one must experience pain in order to appreciate happiness and chaos in order to seek coordination and cooperation. Although we can assume experience is the best teacher, some slow learners will get their fingers burnt repeatedly by touching the same hot service again and again. The best that can be said about the current crop of Lebanese politicians is that they appear to suffer of a serious learning disability that is preventing them from internalizing the lessons from the recent past two attempts at forming cabinets that are designed to fail.

March 14 had fought unsuccessfully the idea of sharing the cabinet with March 8 under PM Saniora and then repeated the mistake, under pressure, with PM Sa’ad Hariri. In both of these cases March 8, a group that is the antithesis of March 14, cannot be blamed for insisting to be included in the cabinet and be given veto powers. This brilliant policy transformed the parliamentary minority into the effective group whose approval is required for any and all government acts and it allowed the minority to demonstrate the inability of the majority to govern by preventing the majority from any accomplishments.

One would have hoped that this experience of ineffectiveness would make the idea of incongruous cabinet something to be shunned by all. Not so. A few of the March 8 allies are willing to form a cabinet that accommodates their adversaries and what is even more astonishing is that many in March 14 are also open to the idea of joining the Mr. Mikati cabinet as the blocking minority with a veto power.

Responsible governance should be the only guide and whoever is to form the cabinet must avoid at all costs the mistakes of the past. Mr. Mikati can demonstrate his ability to govern by assembling a group of either politicians or technocrats or possibly a combination of both provided that all the members share the same vision of what is good for the country and also share the vision of how to get there. Let the cabinet govern, let it be homogeneous and let it be held accountable to the parliament and to the public. It is time that we stop playing the silly unconstitutional games of allocating ministries to groups and political offices. A cabinet must be one colour and must not award the veto power to any group or even offer the president a group of ministries. That would be a gross violation of the constitution and will introduce another governing tradition that is misguided. A country is to be ruled by a set of laws embodied in its constitution.  If these laws do not offer the president any meaningful executive power then we have no choice but to obey these laws as long as they are in effect.

Lebanon needs to demonstrate its ability to respect its constitution by forming a government guided by and based on laws. This implies that those who have the most votes form a single colour cabinet and that whenever the constitution is violated then these alleged violations must be addressed. Lebanon would be doing itself, legitimacy and democracy a disservice if it does not clear up the issue of whether its current president, Michel Suleiman, has been constitutionally elected or not.

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Comments

45 responses to “Mr. Mikati Must Form A Single Colour Cabinet”

  1. Sebouh80 Avatar

    Indeed a cabinet formation in Lebanon has become the joke of the day.
    The basic problem is that the pendulum of Lebanese politics swings while its foundation remains unchanged, thereby alienating citizans from politics ever more deeply.
    This is why I think it would not make any real difference whether Mr.Mikati in the coming days succeeds or not in forming a single color cabinet.
    Sebouh.

    1. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Sebouh
      A single colour cabinet is a matter of principle. I strongly believe that Lebanon needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Members of the same team need to pull together and in the same direction otherwise their efforts will be doomed. The last two cabinets are a good example of what not to do.

      1. Georgeabuali Avatar
        Georgeabuali

        Good to see you here again.

        Have not seen any commentary from you lately?

        Hope you are well!

        1. Ghassankaram Avatar
          Ghassankaram

          Georgeabuali,
          Thanks for the kind words and for your concern.

  2.  Avatar

    Indeed a cabinet formation in Lebanon has become the joke of the day.
    The basic problem is that the pendulum of Lebanese politics swings while its foundation remains unchanged, thereby alienating citizans from politics ever more deeply.
    This is why I think it would not make any real difference whether Mr.Mikati in the coming days succeeds or not in forming a single color cabinet.
    Sebouh.

    1.  Avatar

      Sebouh
      A single colour cabinet is a matter of principle. I strongly believe that Lebanon needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Members of the same team need to pull together and in the same direction otherwise their efforts will be doomed. The last two cabinets are a good example of what not to do.

      1.  Avatar

        Good to see you here again.

        Have not seen any commentary from you lately?

        Hope you are well!

        1.  Avatar

          Georgeabuali,
          Thanks for the kind words and for your concern.

  3. PROPHET.T Avatar

    I agree that this government must be a single color government. That being said, a major reform to the election law has to be passed so that next government would be more representative. A true majority has to emerge as a result of next election; other wise Lebanon will be back to square one. A more democratic, more representative, and less sectarian election law is a must.
    Any coalition government between the new parliamentary majority and the minority would be a joke, if not an insult to the intelligence of Lebanese, especially after the way the Hariri government was brought down.
    Why would a “New coalition government” be successful in accomplishing what the previous “national governments’ couldn’t?
    Let the new parliamentary majority form its own government, and be accountable for its decisions. A one color government would have fewer excuses to implement what ever agenda it puts out. If this one sided government fails, the new majority will have to take responsibility for its failure, and if it succeeds, they would get the credit for it.
    I don’t know if this government will be a successful government, but I do know that both previous coalition governments were nothing but failure; So the logical thing to do is ,not to repeat the same mistake a third time.

  4. PROPHET.T Avatar

    I agree that this government must be a single color government. That being said, a major reform to the election law has to be passed so that next government would be more representative. A true majority has to emerge as a result of next election., other wise Lebanon will be back to square one.
    Any coalition government between the new parliamentary majority and the minority would be a joke, if not an insult to the intelligence of Lebanese, especially after the way the Hariri government was brought down.
    Why would a “New coalition government” be successful in accomplishing what the previous “national government’ couldn’t?
    Let the new parliamentary majority form its own government, and be accountable for its decisions. A one color government would have less excuses to implement what ever agenda it puts out.
    I don’t know if this government will be a successful government, but I do know that both previous coalition governments were nothing but failure; So the logical thing to do is ,not to repeat the same mistake a third time. If this one sided government fails, the new majority will have to take responsibility for its failure, and if it succeeds, they would get the credit for it.

    1.  Avatar

      Prophet.T
      I am afraid that we are not destined to have a more representative government soon. Taif promises the Christians 50 % os the seats although they represent 30% of the population and so if a combination of Amal HA is to one more time get most of the Shia vote then they would have 40% of the vote but only 25% of the seats. This inequity will stay with us until we adopt proportional non sectarian elections.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar

        Ghassan,
        I’m not calling for the elimination of the 50/50 formula here.I think a better(not the ideal yet) representative parliament can achieved still.
        Calling for a nonsectarian election would trigger problem we can’t handle.lol

  5. PROPHET.T Avatar

    I agree that this government must be a single color government. That being said, a major reform to the election law has to be passed so that next government would be more representative. A true majority has to emerge as a result of next election., other wise Lebanon will be back to square one.
    Any coalition government between the new parliamentary majority and the minority would be a joke, if not an insult to the intelligence of Lebanese, especially after the way the Hariri government was brought down.
    Why would a “New coalition government” be successful in accomplishing what the previous “national government’ couldn’t?
    Let the new parliamentary majority form its own government, and be accountable for its decisions. A one color government would have less excuses to implement what ever agenda it puts out.
    I don’t know if this government will be a successful government, but I do know that both previous coalition governments were nothing but failure; So the logical thing to do is ,not to repeat the same mistake a third time. If this one sided government fails, the new majority will have to take responsibility for its failure, and if it succeeds, they would get the credit for it.

  6. Constantin7 Avatar
    Constantin7

    All these arguments of a single color government were raised in the past years but HA INSISTED on being included in the governement and have a VETO power which paralyzed the government. We should have never agreed on including the minority in the government. A majority should rule and a minority should always be in the opposition, period. In this present situation, HA has tricked the people and had it his way in both situations. This is called cheating and dishonesty. However, this is the results of HA intimidation to the other parties in Lebanon and always threatening them with their arms. At the end of the day, as long as they are armed they will get their way, and we have the proove of it with the Mikati governement.

    1. PROPHET.T Avatar

      constantin, This formula has failed. At least HA and M8 realized and admitted that a so called “national government” can not work when the two sides have totally opposite visions on every issue facing the country.
      Why keep walking into a brick wall if you injured your head twice trying?

    2. Ghassankaram Avatar
      Ghassankaram

      Constantin7
      I happen to agree with you argument that HA should not have been allowed into the previous cabinet but that is an academic issue at the moment. It would be hypocritical of March 14 to have opposed giving HA and its allies ministries in the cabinet and then to turn around and accept what it had argued against in the past.

  7.  Avatar

    All these arguments of a single color government were raised in the past years but HA INSISTED on being included in the governement and have a VETO power which paralyzed the government. We should have never agreed on including the minority in the government. A majority should rule and a minority should always be in the opposition, period. In this present situation, HA has tricked the people and had it his way in both situations. This is called cheating and dishonesty. However, this is the results of HA intimidation to the other parties in Lebanon and always threatening them with their arms. At the end of the day, as long as they are armed they will get their way, and we have the proove of it with the Mikati governement.

    1. PROPHET.T Avatar

      constantin, This formula has failed. At least HA and M8 realized and admitted that a so called “national government” can not work when the two sides have totally opposite visions on every issue facing the country.
      Why keep walking into a brick wall if you injured your head twice trying?

    2.  Avatar

      Constantin7
      I happen to agree with you argument that HA should not have been allowed into the previous cabinet but that is an academic issue at the moment. It would be hypocritical of March 14 to have opposed giving HA and its allies ministries in the cabinet and then to turn around and accept what it had argued against in the past.

  8. Although I absolutely disagree with the way that M8 had brought down the Govt and enforced these changes, it is about time that a government is finally formed that takes RESPONSIBILITY for their actions or non action! I agree that the minority should never have been given the chance to join the government and should have stuck to being the opposition, as it was completely crippled and we have got no where since…

    1. Mosetsfire Avatar

      Its amazing how this argument is now valid because March 8th is in power. Its all a big game. All the Lebanese can really do is sit and wait for Iran to fall and hope that weakens Hezbollah. Only after the source of Hezbollah’s power fades will the Lebanese people have a legitimate chance at regaining their country.

      There is no such thing as the “Resistance.” The Lebanese in Lebanon are occupied by Hezbollah like Israel occupies the Palestinians.

    2. Mosetsfire Avatar

      Its amazing how this argument is now valid because March 8th is in power. Its all a big game. All the Lebanese can really do is sit and wait for Iran to fall and hope that weakens Hezbollah. Only after the source of Hezbollah’s power fades will the Lebanese people have a legitimate chance at regaining their country.

      There is no such thing as the “Resistance.” The Lebanese in Lebanon are occupied by Hezbollah like Israel occupies the Palestinians.

  9.  Avatar

    Although I absolutely disagree with the way that M8 had brought down the Govt and enforced these changes, it is about time that a government is finally formed that takes RESPONSIBILITY for their actions or non action! I agree that the minority should never have been given the chance to join the government and should have stuck to being the opposition, as it was completely crippled and we have got no where since…

    1. Its amazing how this argument is now valid because March 8th is in power. Its all a big game. All the Lebanese can really do is sit and wait for Iran to fall and hope that weakens Hezbollah. Only after the source of Hezbollah’s power fades will the Lebanese people have a legitimate chance at regaining their country.

      There is no such thing as the “Resistance.” The Lebanese in Lebanon are occupied by Hezbollah like Israel occupies the Palestinians.

  10. lebnaneh Avatar

    any government in lebanon simply is not gonna work as whatever happen part ofthe lebanese have to take there decision in syria in my opinion the only thing will work is to re invite the damn syria and let then make us a poppet government at list we may save some lifes

  11.  Avatar

    any government in lebanon simply is not gonna work as whatever happen part ofthe lebanese have to take there decision in syria in my opinion the only thing will work is to re invite the damn syria and let then make us a poppet government at list we may save some lifes

  12. Georgeabuali Avatar
    Georgeabuali

    Before the Veto was agreed, 100 people died, camp at down town that paralyzed the center for over a year. Viva la Democracia. Lebanese don’t have problem, their problem is their allegiance to outsiders and to their pockets. They can give shit about the country’ well being and the living Lebanese. I have am convinced that Lebanon is broken and can’t repaired as such; the only solution and is a recreation of new country. Please thank mother France for creating a democratic system, that meant to fail. If you fallow the news post Egypt revolt, that are suggesting a Turkey gov. system. They meaning the west, not the Arab populations; call it a new road map.. I strongly believe is to be! give it time , it is time bomb, may God have mercy on us.

  13.  Avatar

    Before the Veto was agreed, 100 people died, camp at down town that paralyzed the center for over a year. Viva la Democracia. Lebanese don’t have problem, their problem is their allegiance to outsiders and to their pockets. They can give shit about the country’ well being and the living Lebanese. I have am convinced that Lebanon is broken and can’t repaired as such; the only solution and is a recreation of new country. Please thank mother France for creating a democratic system, that meant to fail. If you fallow the news post Egypt revolt, that are suggesting a Turkey gov. system. They meaning the west, not the Arab populations; call it a new road map.. I strongly believe is to be! give it time , it is time bomb, may God have mercy on us.

  14. Lets imagine this scenario; the next election M14 wins the majority, will M8 accept a one color goverment. I would be suprise, they will come up with new argument to reformulate the old rhetoric of a nation unity gov.

    1. Let’s not imagine any scenarios. Win or not weapons talk. He who holds the weapons has the spice. Single color cabinet my butt. Start arming!!!

  15. Lets imagine this scenario; the next election M14 wins the majority, will M8 accept a one color goverment. I would be suprise, they will come up with new argument to reformulate the old rhetoric of a nation unity gov.

    1. Let’s not imagine any scenarios. Win or not weapons talk. He who holds the weapons has the spice. Single color cabinet my butt. Start arming!!!

  16. Jawad_Goudo Avatar
    Jawad_Goudo

    There is nothing wrong with single color Cabinet if it adhere to democratic principal where it can be help accountable and MP’s or other influential figures would go to jail if they have committed crimes or stole from the treasury. But in Lebanon case it will not happen and as lots of us are convinced by now that Hezbollah, Syria and Iran are behind the assassinations of Hariri and many other leaders. And now they’re in power and their main goal not only to demonize the STL but to erase in everyone memory they’re behind the killings. They forced their way into the cabinet so it’s not like they won it in democratic way. Many Druze who were afraid to say their names saw Hezbollah armed members in their area during the time where Jumblatt was hesistant to vote for M8 candidate. They want to convince us that Syed Al jamil who have murdered many Lebanese was okay for them to go the airport and behind the security and give him royal treatments all thumbing their fingers at everyone. So maybe single color cabinet can work in the US where there responsible gov’t to hold Ministers responsible for their action. But in Lebanon even with M14th i would not even have single color cabinet of them either. Unless the face of gov’t change and the people demand their MP’s be hold accountable regardless of their sect/religion or Affiliation then it will never work in our society.

  17.  Avatar

    There is nothing wrong with single color Cabinet if it adhere to democratic principal where it can be help accountable and MP’s or other influential figures would go to jail if they have committed crimes or stole from the treasury. But in Lebanon case it will not happen and as lots of us are convinced by now that Hezbollah, Syria and Iran are behind the assassinations of Hariri and many other leaders. And now they’re in power and their main goal not only to demonize the STL but to erase in everyone memory they’re behind the killings. They forced their way into the cabinet so it’s not like they won it in democratic way. Many Druze who were afraid to say their names saw Hezbollah armed members in their area during the time where Jumblatt was hesistant to vote for M8 candidate. They want to convince us that Syed Al jamil who have murdered many Lebanese was okay for them to go the airport and behind the security and give him royal treatments all thumbing their fingers at everyone. So maybe single color cabinet can work in the US where there responsible gov’t to hold Ministers responsible for their action. But in Lebanon even with M14th i would not even have single color cabinet of them either. Unless the face of gov’t change and the people demand their MP’s be hold accountable regardless of their sect/religion or Affiliation then it will never work in our society.

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