The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM)'s Jbeil District Council convened Friday to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Jbeil MP Simon Abi Ramia's resignation from the party. The council, led by Martine Najem Ketily, the FPM’s vice president for political affairs, issued a clear directive: it urged all friends and committed members "not to discuss the resignation of MP Simon Abi Ramia at gatherings or on social media." The council emphasized that any official position on the matter "can only be issued by the party’s central leadership."

In a statement, carried by the Lebanese state-run National News Agency, the council acknowledged the feelings of "anger and disappointment" among party members and supporters over what it described as "the betrayal and lack of fidelity" to the parliamentary mandate entrusted to certain MPs. Despite these sentiments, the council stressed that the FPM has "always adhered to a code of ethics and conduct."

The council also reaffirmed its commitment to continue the party’s journey "based on unity and commitment," highlighting that the FPM's strength lies in "the solidarity of its members and their alignment around the cause and objectives, not around individuals."

Abi Ramia resigned earlier this week following the sacking of Baabda MP Alain Aoun, the nephew of the party's founder Michel Aoun, from the party.

The FPM is led by Michel Aoun's son-in-law Gebran Bassil. Other members have previously been sacked, including Mario Aoun, Hekmat Dib, and Ziad Abs.