Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel described the state of Lebanon as "a state of chaos," considering that "the budget that was approved is one of the mechanisms to strike the legitimate economy."

Amid hot files ranging from the security situation to the troubled political reality, the paralysis affecting all public administrations and institutions, coupled with the ongoing presidential vacuum and the worsening economic crisis, "Al-Anbaa" online newspaper had this conversation with him.

Gemayel accused Hezbollah of being the one "to initiate operations, which is what Israel awaits to bomb Lebanon, and ultimately, Israel's intentions towards Lebanon are not good."

He admitted that "he has not yet well understood the initiative of the National Moderation Bloc," expressing surprise at "the welcome before understanding its nature, especially as he noticed that the bloc itself does not well understand the initiative," in his words.

As for the reasons that prevent him from running for the presidency, Gemayel does not see "today as the right time for people like us."

He blamed Hezbollah for "seizing the country" and wanting "a president to execute its task of dominating the country, and Samy Gemayel is not ready to perform such task."

Gemayel considered that "Lebanon is not governed by our opinion, given the absence of a president and an interim government in caretaker status for about two years, since June 2022. The state is in chaos, lacking any plan, vision, or scientific approach to tackling matters. The budget was issued barbarically, without any prior dialogue. Furthermore, there have been no significant reforms or viable solutions proposed for Lebanon's economic challenges, including the deposit issue and the banking crisis." 

In response to a question, Gemayel said: "Merely disrupting the election of a president inevitably disrupts the operation of all institutions. We need a president to form a government. Without a government, the parliament cannot function correctly."

Regarding the articles that the Kataeb Party has challenged, Gemayel commented: "This is part of the challenge. The budget is unconstitutional and not based on any economic principle, and we consider that its primary goal is to destroy the legitimate private sector and increase its burdens."

Regarding the situation in the south and where things are heading, the Kataeb Leader pointed out that "no one has the right to decide on behalf of the Lebanese to enter a war, and Hezbollah is not defending but attacking. It took the initiative to open the southern front in support of Gaza, thereby placing itself in the position of attack and bearing the responsibility of dragging Lebanon into this operation."

He considered that "the member states of the quintet committee are friends of Lebanon trying to help the country, but the decision is not in their hands or ours. The country's decision is hijacked by Hezbollah. Therefore the solution is not in the hands of the quintet."