The leader of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, speaking at the presidential palace in Baabda, Jan.11, 2022. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — Marada Movement leader and unofficial candidate for the Lebanese presidency Sleiman Frangieh said Friday that he is "in favor of any consensus found in the interest of the country" regarding the presidential election, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31 and members of Parliament have been unable to elect a new head of state the last 11 electoral sessions.
Frangieh is believed to be Hezbollah's favored candidate for the presidency, but he does not have the support of the main Christian blocs, namely the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement.
His name only appeared once on cast ballots during the electoral sessions.
"Contrary to what some people say, the fact that my name is mentioned for the presidency does not block the ballot," the Marada Movement leader said during a lunch at the residence of his grandfather, former president Sleiman Frangieh.
"I am in favor of any consensus found in the interest of the country. But such a consensus requires two parties to talk to each other, to find common denominators," Frangieh continued. "I am not yet a presidential candidate, but my name is on the table. I defend an economic, political and social vision based on reality and telling the truth, even if it hurts."
Last week, a meeting in Paris brought together representatives from Egypt, France, the United States, Qatar and Saudi Arabia on the presidential elections in Lebanon.
"Our main concern is to avoid anarchy while waiting for the great consensus," Frangieh concluded. "There are signs that show a willingness to reach an international agreement."