Former President of Brazil Michel Temer is of Lebanese descent, June 15, 2016. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — On May 19, Luis Abinader, outgoing President of the Dominican Republic, was re-elected after a resounding victory in the first round. The leader of Lebanese descent received 57.15 percent of the votes. Abinader has an approval rating of about 70 percent — his firm stance towards Haiti being a significant factor — according to pre-election polls reported by AFP. His stance against Haitian immigration was one of the cornerstones of his presidency.
Abinader is not the first leader of Lebanese descent to reach the upper echelons of power. Several members of the Lebanese diaspora have made their way into politics around the world, particularly in Latin America.
Approximately 15 million people of Lebanese descent reside in Latin America, with Brazil being home to about half of them. The region has historically welcomed Lebanese immigrants fleeing poverty and turmoil, with waves of emigration driven by events such as the decline of the Lebanese silk trade in the late 19th century and Lebanon's civil war from 1975 to 1990.
In Brazil, Lebanese immigrants have risen to positions of political influence, with around eight percent of the country's parliamentarians tracing their roots to Lebanon, despite comprising only about four percent of the population.
Key names of politicians of Lebanese descent in Latin America:
Michel Temer, Brazil: the former President of Brazil, is of Lebanese descent and served from August 2016 to December 2018. Born to Lebanese immigrants, Temer began his political career in the 1980s and played a significant role in economic reforms during his presidency, despite facing corruption allegations and later arrests.
Former President of Brazil Michel Temer is of Lebanese descent, June 15, 2016. (Credit: AFP)
Julio César Turbay, Colombia: served as president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982. His father immigrated to Colombia from Tannourine, Lebanon and his mother was Colombian.
He implemented security measures during his tenure, notably combating Colombia's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. He is recognized for his diplomatic efforts, including the peaceful resolution of the 1980 Dominican embassy crisis.
Former president of Ecuador Abdalá Bucaram (1996-1997) speaks during a press conference from his home in Guayaquil in September 2020. (Crédit: JOSE SANCHEZ LINDAO/AFP via Getty Images)
Abdalá Bucaram, Ecuador: known as “El Loco,” served briefly as President of Ecuador but faced allegations of embezzlement and exile soon after taking office.
Jamil Mahuad, Ecuador: He served as the president of Ecuador from 1998 to 2000, focused on stabilizing the economy and fostering peace agreements, though his term ended prematurely due to protests and military revolt.
Julio Teodoro Salem, Ecuador: briefly served as Ecuador's head of state during a popular uprising.
Edward Seaga, Jamaica: He served as Jamaica's Prime Minister from 1980 to 1989, and made significant contributions to the country's music and politics, playing a pivotal role in Jamaica's independence from Great Britain.
Key names of politicians of Lebanese descent in Europe:
Rima Abdul Malak, France: She was appointed as a minister of culture in France, between May 2022 and January 2024, following Emmanuel Macron's victory in the presidential election.
Born to parents who fled Lebanon during the civil war, Abdul Malak grew up in Lyon, France. She graduated from the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon and studied international cooperation at Sorbonne. Abdul Malak has previously served as an advisor on culture and communications to Macron and held various cultural advisory roles, including for former Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe.
A portrait of Rima Abdul Malak who was appointed as a minister of culture in France, September 20, 2023. (Credit: AFP/File photo)
Several figures of Lebanese heritage contributed to American politics, here are some names:
Alex Azar: As the former United States Secretary of Health, Alex Azar shaped national healthcare policies and responses to public health crises, drawing from his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.
Spencer Abraham: Former United States Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, advocated for energy security initiatives during his tenure and represented Michigan as a U.S. Senator, focusing on issues such as energy and national security.
Former President George W. Bush praises Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham during a speech about energy efficiency, June 28, 2001, at the Department of Energy. (Credit: Eric Draper/The White House)
John Sununu: Former White House Chief of Staff, John Sununu, provided strategic leadership as a key advisor to President George H.W. Bush, guiding the administration through domestic and international affairs.
Darrell Issa: Darrell Issa, a prominent U.S. politician, has been influential in Republican politics, serving as a member of the United States House of Representatives and advocating for government oversight and technology issues.
US President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 19, 2008 to former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Edna Shalala during ceremonies at the White House in Washington, DC. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional meritorious service. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images
Donna Shalala: Donna Shalala, a former U.S. Representative. While serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, she focused on healthcare access, education reform, and social justice issues, reflecting her lifelong commitment to public service.
Philip Habib: Philip Habib, a U.S. Politician and Peace Envoy, played a crucial role in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, contributing to subsequent negotiations and peace agreements.
