Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai decries constitutional violations, calls for protection of Lebanon’s youth

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — During a divine service at the Syriac Maronite Patriarchal Edifice in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai underscored that Lebanon’s political crisis stems from constitutional violations, emphasizing the sanctity of the constitution in political governance worldwide.

Al-Rai criticized the prolonged obstruction in electing a president, a lapse of a year and a half, as a clear violation of constitutional norms. He lamented that while trust in Lebanon’s populace remains, official Lebanon has faltered due to this obstructionism, suggesting hidden agendas behind the delay.

Expressing concern over the consequences of instability, particularly the emigration of Lebanon’s youth in search of opportunity and security, he urged authorities to issue necessary decrees to safeguard the enthusiasm of young people for military service and ensure their protection within the homeland.