Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi has reiterated his frustration over the lingering presidential vacuum in Lebanon, saying there is no convincing reason behind the failure to elect a president other than malicious intentions against the country's interests.

"Which Constitution stipulates a prior agreement before the election of a president? Why has there not been a single electoral session for over a year?" Al-Rahi asked in an interview on MTV.

The patriarch emphasized that "the President of the Republic is the only one authorized to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon. Neither the Speaker of Parliament nor the Prime Minister is entitled to do so.”

Al-Rahi lashed out at attempts to undermine the Maronites’ role in the state, especially by preventing the election of a president, stressing that both the parliament and the government lack legitimacy in the absence of a head of state.

“Christians, in general, and Maronites, in particular, are being marginalized and excluded from public administrations, which undermines our pluralistic system,” he added. “However, there is no fear for the Christian presence in Lebanon; what is happening is weakening, not eradicating their existence."

"Christians constitute an essential element that cannot be marginalized in the state. Their status is safeguarded by official rule books. However, prolonged exclusion poses a threat to the Christian presence in Lebanon."

He added, "I regret that Christian leaders have not gathered in Bkirki. We have tried repeatedly but have not succeeded. Maybe one day, they will be convinced to do so."

"It is the Lebanese people who can keep war away from Lebanon through reason and prudence. War brings destruction, and we must change our rhetoric because our culture is one of life, not war and death," the patriarch concluded.