Federalism and Neutrality

Neutrality is a consequence of federalism as proposed in the constitution.

We should not confuse cause and consequence. Disagreement over foreign policy is a consequence of the Lebanese diverse social fabric. When trying to address our diversity we need to address the root cause not the consequences.

The proposed federal model addresses such diversity. And since foreign policy is federal and requires unanimous consent, it will lead to “de facto” neutrality

Relevant Constitution Article

Article 117 : Transfer of sovereign powers, Article 38 : Composition, Article 39 : President – Decisions, and Article 44 : Unanimity

1. Power currently granted to Governor (mouhafez) and/or District Manager (Caimacam) shall be integrally transferred to the Municipal Council.
2. Each canton shall open, organize, control and manage all the specific Registers (land and real estate, commerce …). The Federal authorities shall hold a consolidated mirror of the four (4) registers of each nature for statistics and conflicts purposes. More specifically, each canton shall have one (1) Commercial Register.
3. The Federation enjoys no sovereign powers to enable it to transfer to international organizations.
4. Insofar as the cantons are competent to exercise cantonal powers and to perform cantonal functions, they may, without the consent of the Federal Government, transfer sovereign powers to trans-frontier institutions.
5. With a view to maintaining peace, the Federation shall ensure total neutrality of Lebanon. This includes becoming a non-voting observer member in all international organizations including the Arab League, the UN, and other multi-lateral organizations.
6. The settlement of disputes between cantons shall be done through international arbitration.

1. The Federal Government shall consist of the four (4) prime ministers from each canton. They appoint the required numbers of ministers (“directeurs de cabinets” or secretaries for affairs) and recall them.
2. All decisions on any matter requires unanimous voting i.e. four votes except in instances of “voluntary absenteeism” in which case unanimity shall be as provided for in article 32.
3. The votes may be cast only by the present Members or by remote vote.

1. The Federal Government shall appoint the eldest of the prime ministers as its President for one year.
2. The President shall convene the Federal Government. He shall be obliged to do so at the request of at least one (1) of the four (4) members.
3. Decisions of the Federal Government shall require a unanimous vote.
4. Its meetings shall be open to the public. The public may be excluded.
5. Other members or representatives of canton governments may serve on committees of the Federal Government.

Orders and directions of the Federal President shall require for their validity the countersignature of the other three (3) members of the Federal Government, except that such number can differ as in instances provided for in article 32.