Michel Aoun defends dismissal of Alain Aoun: No immunity for mistakes

BEIRUT — Former president Michel Aoun defended the decision to expel MP Alain Aoun from the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — the party he founded — in an interview with OTV Saturday.

Aoun asserted that "the dismissal was justified due to repeated mistakes and a refusal to address feedback."

Aoun emphasized that "personal connections do not provide immunity from accountability, underscoring that Alain Aoun’s expulsion was based on significant internal issues rather than family ties."

Alain Aoun is Michel Aoun's nephew. 

Aoun clarified in the interview "that the FPM remains committed to its founding principles despite the departure of some members."

He stressed that "discipline and adherence to party policies are essential, and any individual, regardless of their position or personal connections, must be held accountable for actions that undermine the party's objectives."

On Friday, FPM announced the dismissal of MP Alain Aoun from its ranks.

"Based on two recommendations issued by the [FPM] Council of Elders headed by [former] President General Michel Aoun, the first on April 18 and the second on May 13, the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, signed a decision to dismiss MP Alain Aoun from the FPM," read the statement released by the party's Central Committee for Media and Communication.

According to the party, he has "failed to appear before the Council of Elders several times and insisted on his position, refusing to discuss the party violations he committed."

MP Elias Bou Saab was also dismissed from the party on March 6 this year based on a recommendation issued by the same Council of Elders on July 26, 2023, after he violated the provisions of the internal regulations and failed to abide by the directions of the party.