Sleiman Frangieh, in the name of the grandfather

Three prominent Maronite leaders have held the Baabda Presidential Palace in their sights for many years: Samir Geagea, Gebran Bassil and Sleiman Frangieh. All believe they are natural candidates for the presidency, but they are not the only ones with eyes on the presidential seat.

Bassil and Geagea have both admitted — albeit Geagea with more ease — that they will not succeed this time around in ascending to the presidency. But all three men want to have their say and consider that the road to Baabda must pass through them.

With the clock to elect a president officially ticking, L’Orient-Le Jour offers a deep look at the political trajectory of these three men and their notable ties to the presidency.

The first article of the series is on Sleiman Frangieh, a favorite among the 'traditional candidates.'