The head of the Beirut Bar Association slammed the continued paralysis in the presidential seat Saturday, demanding politicians rise to the occasion and elect a new head of state, during a mass rally outside Baabda Palace to mark the 71 anniversary of Independence Day. “Our main concern is not to fill the vacant seat but to maintain the functioning of a democratic republic and a balance of power,” George Jreij said, surrounded by dozens of lawyers who marched to Baabda Palace amid tight security measures.

 

"We have the right to speak out and we have the right to a respected republic, to have a capable state.” [Link]