BEIRUT

Lebanese Druze politician Taymur Jumblatt on Saturday rejected proposals by certain factions to establish a federal system which he described as "partition projects," according to media reports.

Jumblatt, who heads the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), encouraged the abolition of political sectarianism, framing it as part of broader reform demands.

Various party and independent groups, including the National Liberal Party and the Syriac Union Party, have recently revived discussions on federalism as a possible solution to crises in Lebanon.

Responding to the proposals, Jumblatt stated during a conference held by his party in Mount Lebanon: "We are open to a reasonable dialogue on all these ideas, free from preconceived positions."

But he clarified: "For us, federalism is a project of division and discrimination. That is why we firmly reject it, especially at a time when some are attempting to revive partition schemes across the region,” Lebanese national news agency, NNA, reported.

Jumblatt also noted other reforms advocated by his party, stating: "In these difficult times, there is a new opportunity for the country. This strengthens our commitment to necessary reforms, including the establishment of a national commission to abolish political sectarianism and the creation of a Senate. This is not merely our demand -- it is a national reform priority."

Lebanon has a single-chamber parliament and suffers from sectarian-based power-sharing in its political system.

Jumblatt also emphasized the importance of youth participation in the upcoming municipal elections. "Lebanon is facing major challenges, from economic hardships to political instability," he said.