BEIRUT — The presidential vacuum, ongoing since May 25, 2014, is heavily affecting the decision-making mechanism of the Cabinet, to which the powers of the head of state are transferred to “in case of vacancy in the presidency for any reason,” in accordance with Article 62 of the Lebanese Constitution. Since, the Cabinet’s decisions have no longer been made by consensus. Regular issues such as draft laws no longer require a simple majority, and crucial issues — such as the amendment of the constitution, the decision to declare war and appointments to leading state and public service positions — no longer require the approval of a two-thirds majority, as stipulated in Article 65 of the constitution.

The various political forces — most notably the Christian parties — agreed on a mechanism requiring the signature of all 24 ministers on any decree to be issued, in a move that was interpreted as a division of the presidential powers.

According to this mechanism, and on the basis of excluding controversial issues, the Cabinet conducted its work until an argument allegedly erupted over disruption of the government’s work during the Cabinet meeting held Feb. 12, as ministers discussed the appointment of a secondary school teacher at the Lebanese University. The differences that came up in this session ended with Prime Minister Tamman Salam adjourning the meeting and saying that the Cabinet sessions will be suspended “until a productive mechanism governing the Cabinet’s work is found.” The Cabinet’s inability to reach an agreement on the simple appointment of a teacher shows how deep the problem is and raises questions as to how the body will be able to agree on the candidates for leading security positions, which will be vacant soon.

What suddenly changed? Why is this mechanism, which was followed for over nine months, no longer valid?