As Lebanon awaits the formation of its new government, Patrick Richa, Head of the Kataeb's Media Department, outlined the party’s stance on the process, emphasizing its role in facilitating the formation while setting clear conditions for participation.

“We have fought two battles over the past few weeks—one for the presidency and the other for the premiership—and we have emerged victorious,” Richa told Central News Agency. “And I speak here not only as Kataeb but as part of a broader political team. It is natural for us to be facilitators and supporters of the two men in whose accession to power we played a role.”

Richa stressed that coordination with the new leadership is progressing smoothly, assuring that the Kataeb party does not hesitate to relay its observations and viewpoints whenever needed. 

Richa made it clear that the Kataeb Party intends to be part of the new government.

“We wish to participate in the government, and our natural position is to be part of it, implementing the projects for which we have been repeatedly elected to parliament.”

"Most of the campaigns we are witnessing are driven either by the aim to secure some ministerial portfolios or for other motives. We are not concerned with them; what matters to us is only what is publicly announced by the Prime Minister-designate," he pointed out. "We will not pass judgment until we see the final proposal that is presented to us."

However, Richa warned against potential mechanisms that could paralyze the upcoming government’s work, stressing that the Kataeb Party had communicated three main concerns to Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam:

1. The "Disruptive Signature" – “The Finance Minister’s signature must not be used as a tool to block government decisions.”
2. Sectarian Monopoly – “Shiite representation should not be confined solely to the 'Hezbollah-Amal duo' to prevent sectarian considerations from being used as a means of obstruction in the future.”
3. The Obstructing Third – “This mechanism was used in the past to topple governments and trigger political coups, such as during the cabinets of Fouad Siniora and Saad Hariri in 2011. We insist that no faction should be given this power.”

Addressing broader political concerns, Richa emphasized that the new government must take a clear stance on sovereignty.

“The ministerial statement should not include any ambiguity regarding the ‘Army, People, and Resistance’ trilogy and the issue of illicit arms. After everything Lebanon has endured, we refuse to make concessions on this matter. This is not a new stance as we have fought political battles over this issue for 20 years. What was forcefully imposed in the Doha Agreement must be rectified today to facilitate work and clear obstacles."

Regarding the ongoing debate over the Finance Ministry, Richa suggested that political bargaining may be at play.

“We will wait to see if certain factions raise their demands only to later compromise in exchange for ministerial portfolios. Two weeks ago, no one had an issue with this matter—so why is it suddenly a problem now?”

He also rejected any attempts to pressure PM-designate Nawaf Salam, asserting that both he and President Joseph Aoun are committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty and the effective functioning of the government.

“They do not want to obstruct their own government’s work, and we trust them to act in the country’s best interest," he said. "It is very important that the standards are clear and apply to everyone, and that is exactly what we hear from the Prime Minister-designate. Therefore, let us wait for the final results and not judge based on leaks or speculations."

On the question of when the government will be formed, Richa acknowledged uncertainty but called for patience.

“We are no longer sure about the timing, but the process is still within a reasonable time frame. Lebanon remains deeply divided, has just emerged from war, and is under immense societal pressure. Any alarmism about delays is simply mere political maneuvering.”

He urged all political forces to adopt a constructive approach, highlighting the progress Lebanon has made.

“Three months ago, we had no president, and the government was entirely dominated by a single political group. Today, we have a President whom all Lebanese agreed on after his inaugural speech, a Prime Minister-designate, and a government that is expected to include at least two-thirds of ministers from our political line—or at the very least, not allied with the Shiite duo," Richa pointed out.

"This is a major shift. Change takes time, and solutions must be carefully crafted to avoid missteps," he concluded.