Advisor to the President of the Kataeb Party and former Minister Elie Marouni said that Hezbollah Is usurping the decision-making power in Lebanon due to the absence of a strong State, deploring the group’s disregard for other Lebanese parties’ viewpoints.

"We insist on coexisting because this is our destiny and fate. We hope they consider us their compatriots and consult us on their decisions, as today they are violating the Constitution and laws. Thus, it is not us rejecting them, but they are the ones considering us nonexistent,” Marouni said in an interview on MTV.

Marouni stressed the need for the State’s institutions to restore their role, noting that while inter-Lebanese dialogue is essential to address challenges, it would still be futile if all Lebanese groups did not abide by its provisions.

The ex-minister slammed the preconditions being set for the presidential election consultations, deeming it unacceptable to leave the country in a state of void after each presidential term and for one group to manipulate the Parliament to its discretion.

Marouni emphasized that the Kataeb Party has always demanded the full implementation of the Taef Agreement which mandates the removal of all illegal weapons, adding that Hezbollah’s statelet has replaced the State on all levels.