Tripoli: Presidential Council Chairman Mohammed Al-Menfi has asserted that any formation of governments or amendments to their structure in Libya must strictly adhere to the constitutional references outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement.
According to Libyan News Agency, Al-Menfi addressed a letter to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah of the Government of National Unity, highlighting concerns over Dbeibah’s intention to conduct a cabinet reshuffle. This reshuffle may include dismissing ministers who still retain the confidence of legislative authorities, a move seen as violating the Libyan Political Agreement. Al-Menfi emphasized that his position stems from a national responsibility to maintain institutional legitimacy and protect the nation’s supreme interests.
In the letter, Al-Menfi explained that governments lose legitimacy and become caretaker governments under two conditions: a vote of no confidence, as required by absent constitutional requirements, or if there is a vacancy in the core cabinet comprising one-third of the ministers, as per the political agreement. He further noted that resolving vacancies due to voluntary ministerial resignations necessitates a broad national consensus, sound legal frameworks, and binding consultations, especially for the crucial Defense and Foreign Affairs portfolios.
The address was also sent to several key figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the High Council of State, the Head of the Audit Bureau, the Head of the Administrative Control Authority, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, underscoring the importance of aligning government actions with established constitutional norms.