House-Council power struggle stalls Libya’s transition period
A political rift in the Libyan parliament has emerged as representatives clash over who has the right to name the next Prime Minister. As the UN tries to reignite momentum toward the election, the dispute risks jeopardizing international efforts to stabilize Libya.
The dispute, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat on May 22, comes amid growing political uncertainty in Tripoli. The interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has refused to cede power since the 2021 elections were postponed and now seeks to solidify support by rallying backing from local municipalities.
Mohamed al-Menfi, head of the Presidential Council, reignited the debate after he backed Egypt’s call to renew dialogues to pave the way for a national election.
Menfi posted in X that under the 2018 constitutional amendment, the Presidential Council holds the authority to name the Prime Minister until a President is elected by popular vote.
In response, Speaker of Parliament Aguila Saleh has rejected this claim, asserting that it is within the House of Representative’s authority to choose the next Prime Minister. He called for a formal session to be held in Benghazi on May 26, where lawmakers will review proposals from candidates seeking the premiership.
Parliament spokesperson Abdullah Bliheg said the session followed discussions on rising unrest in Tripoli and popular calls for a unified government. Recently, parliament requested an investigation into the storming of the intelligence agency’s headquarters in Tripoli
The House moved to formalize its stance, pledging to inform the UN and foreign envoys of its plans for forming a new government. It also reviewed reports on candidate eligibility and called on the eastern-based Government of Stability, led by Osama Hammad, to provide emergency funds to the municipalities hit by the recent unrest.
Meanwhile, diplomatic channels are open with the Russian Ambassador, Aydar Aganin, meeting with UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh to discuss the UN’s advisory committee’s findings.
The U.S. Embassy in Libya hailed the committee’s recommendations as an opportunity for “meaningful dialogue” and renewed “momentum toward a unified, peaceful, and democratic future”.
The European Union echoed the call for de-escalation, urging all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians, and participate in the UN-led process aimed at restoring political stability.
Asharq Al-Awsat/ Maghrebi
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