ARTICLE - PRIME MINISTER?

RUMOURS, STATEMENTS, DENIALS ABOUT THE PRIME MINISTER...
(Haiti Libre) -

Persistent rumors suggest that steps are being taken by President Martelly to lead to the appointment of new ministers before the inauguration of a new ministerial cabinet.

According to the Senator of the West [INITE] Anacacis Jean Hector, Vice President of the Senate, the Head of State proposed during his meeting last Friday, to the Presidents of both houses [Rodolphe Joazil - Senate and Saurel Jacinthe - Chamber of Deputies] the renewal of outgoing Prime Minister, Jean-Max Bellerive.

"...I believe that the two Presidents of the Senate and the House of Deputies took note, but they have not committed [...] this type of procedure is unconstitutional. I think that's part of an agreement, of a consensus, that this must be done, IF it can be done [...] it is unconstitutional and that is why there is a disengagement at the level of both Houses [...] or the Head of State renews Mr. Bellerive in his functions and in this case he asks him, to file his documents, or he chooses another prime minister..."

Deputy Sorel Jacinthe, President of the Chamber of Deputies has denied the words of Senator Anacacis; namely, that President Martelly discussed the reappointment of Jean-Max Bellerive to the position of Prime Minister during the meeting on Friday. "Myself, as President of the Chamber of Deputies and to the President of the Senate, he did not tell us that."

"Essentially I said and I repeat, the 1987 Constitution is clear on how the country should be headed [...] we are in a dictatorship of procedures and laws. I do not believe, that someone in society, is ready to return to the situation before 1987. It would not be good for us."

For his part, Senator Joazile Rudolph, President of the Senate wondered, "can we take a "Minister", and graft him onto a government that he resigned? I do not have that answer. I also heard the rumor; we'll see what can be done. We will make our analysis, and focus our opinions on this action."

Senator Anacacis stressed that Mr. Bellerive is well positioned to obtain a parliamentary majority. "He has his role to play to unlock the country; he is still in office [...]" stating that Mr. Bellerive leads "an outgoing government" and not a "government resigned." [?] The Senator urged, once again, the Head of State to secure a majority in Parliament in the perspective of a sharing of responsibilities. That is, according to him the only way to secure the ratification of the Prime Minister-designate.

For his part, Senator François Lucas Sainvil, regrets that President Martelly has met with the minority group of Senators that are favorable to him while avoiding dialogue with the Senators of the G16. Affirming that the majority bloc in the Senate is ready to support the choice of the President if he decides "to cooperate..." wanting to suggest that the Head of State does not seek really to secure a majority in the Senate...

On a background of political confusion, the presidential party "Repons Peyizan" in a press conference, asked parliamentarians to put aside their pride; "to be able to reach an agreement with the President of the Republic, to establish a Government that will address the key demands of the Haitian people. [...]"

So far, no denial or clarification from the Presidency of these rumors...