Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has convened lawmakers for a plenary session on Tuesday, October 21, at 11 AM, marking the official opening of the ordinary autumn parliamentary session.
Although the meeting is not intended for legislative work, it represents an essential step in ensuring the proper functioning of the institution. Under Article 44, paragraph 2 of the Constitution and Articles 3 and 19 of the Parliament’s internal regulations, the Chamber is required to meet annually at the start of the autumn session to renew several of its internal positions.
The date of this session, traditionally set for the first Tuesday following October 15, fell this year on October 21, prompting the speaker’s formal convocation.
This opening session carries a purely administrative and electoral character. During the meeting, members of Parliament renewed several key internal appointments, including the two secretaries of the bureau, three parliamentary commissioners, and the members of the sixteen standing committees that examine draft laws within their areas of specialization. Once appointed, each committee meets separately to elect its own chairperson.
Beyond its formal nature, the session marks the effective launch of the autumn legislative term, setting the tone for parliamentary work in the months ahead. The composition and leadership of the committees are expected to shape the rhythm, priorities, and quality of legislative activity throughout the session.
The outcome reflected a sense of continuity, with most positions reconfirmed. Secretaries Alain Aoun and Hadi Aboul Hosn, along with parliamentary commissioners Michel Moussa, Abdel Karim Kabbara, and Hagop Pakradounian, were all re-elected to their posts.
Most standing committees retained their previous composition, with only two notable adjustments. Melhem Riachy succeeded Ghayath Yazbek in the Media and Telecommunications Committee, while Adib Abdel Massih replaced Farid Haykal al-Khazen as head of the Information Technology Committee.
Among the committee chairs reconfirmed were Georges Adwan for Administration and Justice, Ibrahim Kanaan for Finance and Budget, Fadi Alameh for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Sajih Atiyeh for Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water, and Hassan Mrad for Education and Culture.
Other returning chairs include Bilal Abdallah for Public Health, Jihad al-Samad for National Defense, Hagop Pakradounian for Displaced Persons, Ayoub Hmayed for Agriculture and Tourism, Ghayath Yazbek for Environment, Michel Daher for National Economy, Ibrahim Al Moussaoui for Media and Telecommunications, Simon Abi Ramia for Youth and Sports, Michel Moussa for Human Rights, Inaya Ezzedine for Women and Children, and Tony Frangieh for Information Technology.
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