Lebanese Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel responded to accusations made by Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, claiming they had been deceived during the binding parliamentary consultations that led to the appointment of Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister-designate.

Speaking to Al-Arabiya, Gemayel categorically denied the Shiite duo's claims, emphasizing that the consultations leading to Salam's designation were part of Lebanon's natural democratic process.

"Deception occurs when someone makes a commitment and then reneges on their promise," Gemayel stated. "We made no promises to anyone. Therefore, we fail to understand what agreement they are referring to and with whom it was made. We do not comprehend the nature of this alleged agreement or the claimed deception."

Gemayel firmly rejected the notion that his party or opposition MPs had engaged in any deceit, adding, "We did not deceive anyone, nor did we promise anyone anything. The democratic process took its natural course."

Addressing claims of exclusion by Hezbollah and Amal, Gemayel argued that such allegations reflect the other side's reliance on coercive tactics.

"Perhaps the other side has grown accustomed, over the past 30 years, to nothing happening in Lebanon without being imposed by force. We did not exclude anyone. They excluded themselves by assuming exclusion had occurred. In reality, we extended a hand of partnership under the framework of law, sovereignty, and the constitution," he said.

Gemayel underscored the constitutional framework governing the presidential election and the designation of a new prime minister, emphasizing that outcomes were determined by lawmakers, not external agreements.

"MPs are the ones who vote for the President of the Republic. If a party wants to negotiate, it must strike an agreement with those casting the votes. Neither we nor any opposition MPs struck a deal for Hezbollah and Amal to speak of deception."

"Lebanon is a country with 18 sects and nearly 20 parliamentary blocs. Such claims from the other side are frivolous, and they know it. I would describe their remarks as empty rhetoric," he said.

Gemayel highlighted the non-partisan nature of recent political developments, stressing that no party had emerged victorious.

"The President of the Republic is not a partisan figure. He was neither a candidate of the ruling class nor the opposition but rather a consensus candidate. The same applies to Nawaf Salam. Thus, no one triumphed over anyone else—neither in the presidency nor the premiership. Lebanon, the constitution, Lebanon’s sovereignty, and partnership in Lebanon are the true winners," he asserted.

Furthermore, Gemayel detailed the sequence of events that led to Salam securing majority support.

"On the morning of the consultations, MP Fouad Makhzoumi decided to withdraw his premiership bid to facilitate consensus, and MP Ibrahim Mneimneh followed suit. This led to a large bloc of around 50 votes forming in favor of Nawaf Salam. Subsequently, Walid Jumblatt and then former Minister Gebran Bassil joined, creating a majority for Salam," he explained.

When asked whether Bassil’s support for Salam was unexpected, Gemayel said: "Bassil’s vote for Salam was not surprising, given his strained relationship with Mikati. The Free Patriotic Movement has been boycotting Mikati’s government for over a year, making it unlikely for Bassil to vote for him."

Addressing the constitutional legitimacy of Salam's designation and the principle of sectarian balance, Gemayel affirmed that the government remains legitimate as long as its composition respects Lebanon’s diversity.

"As long as sectarian balance is maintained and there are Shia ministers, the government remains legitimate. Legitimacy is not determined by who grants confidence but by the composition of the cabinet, which must respect the country's sectarian diversity."

"What we hoped for was for Hezbollah and Amal to turn a new page, hand over their weapons, and embrace partnership, which is the natural course to take. What is unnatural is their seeking to impose everything on the Lebanese people. When they reject partnership and our outstretched hand, it shows they do not want equality but rather to persist in their approach of imposition and exclusion, as they have done in the past."

Reflecting on Hezbollah and Amal’s history in power, Gemayel recalled instances of violence and exclusion.

"When Hezbollah and Amal held power, their dealings with us were characterized by accusations of treason and violence. This included the events of May 7, 2008, and the series of assassinations that targeted my brother Pierre Gemayel along with other comrades in the March 14 coalition. That is exclusion, imposition, and rejection of partnership."

"When we extend a hand for them to join us and they refuse, the problem lies with them," Gemayel concluded.