Opposition MPs gathered in Maarab, Dec. 3, 2024. Photo courtesy of Lebanese Forces
A week after the cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel came into effect, anti-Hezbollah camps defined the outline of its political action for the coming weeks. It should focus on consolidating the cease-fire and, above all, on electing a President of the Republic during the coming electoral session, scheduled for Jan. 9.
The ‘opposition’ is calling for a president who respects the Constitution, the Taif Agreement and the cease-fire, and who is willing to initiate the economic reforms requested by the international community.
‘Opposition’ MPs — which also include the Progressive Socialist Party — held a meeting on Tuesday at the Lebanese Forces headquarters in Maarab, chaired by LF leader Samir Geagea. Unlike previous meetings held in April and October, this meeting was held in the presence of major participants, such as MP and former presidential candidate Michel Moawad.
Kataeb MPs Nadim Gemayel and Salim Sayegh, Alliance of Change MPs Waddah Sadek, Mark Daou and Michel Doueihy, alongside affiliated independents and LF MPs also participated in the meeting.
“The meeting discussed key issues related to Lebanon’s future. The opposition therefore wanted to show unity, which is hence reflected in the wide range of participants,” said Charles Jabbour, the LF’s spokesperson. According to information from L’Orient-Le Jour, the cease-fire sealed on Nov. 27 had been discussed at length in view of the dozens of violations committed by Israel and Hezbollah’s only response, which targeted the disputed area of the Kfar Shuba hills on Monday.
“It is necessary to reinforce the cease-fire by implementing the Lebanese government-approved mechanisms, especially those related to international resolutions, as well as deploying the Lebanese army on the borders,” said the statement issued after the meeting.
The participants also discussed the presidential election issue, more specifically the future president’s ‘profile.’ “We want a president who would respect the Constitution and reject Hezbollah’s golden equation: Army, people and resistance,” said Abdel Massih. However, he indicated that presidential candidate names were not discussed, contrary to expectations.
“We have agreed to meet again in about 10 days, thereby allowing all parties to pursue their contacts to hold the elections,” added Moawad.
“We will intensify our contacts with all parliamentary blocs to try to agree on a candidate who would enjoy broad support,” said the MPs.
Bassil is back on track
For his part, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), MP Gebran Bassil — who has severed his alliance with Hezbollah — also intends to launch a new political dynamic to reach a consensus on presidential elections.
“We are aware of the great international pressure exerted to fill the void in Baabda. But a Christian party must start working,” said a close associate to Bassil.
He plans to visit religious and political authorities. He already launched his tour on Tuesday, by meeting with the Mufti of the Republic Abdellatif Deriane. “We have discussed a list of candidates with parliamentary blocs. Several names have been agreed upon,” Bassil said after the meeting.
According to information sent to L’Orient-Le Jour, the list might include Jihad Azour, a former minister on whom the FPM had "agreed upon" with the opposition in 2023, Jean-Louis Cordahi, former Telecommunications Minister, close to former president Emile Lahoud and Ziad Baroud, former former Interior and Municipalities Minister.
On the other hand, some candidates are nonnegotiable to Bassil, including leader the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh — supported by Hezbollah and the Amal Movement — Army Commander Joseph Aoun, former head of diplomacy Nassif Hitti and MP Neemat Frem.
Bassil also held talks with the Egyptian ambassador in Beirut, Ala' Moussa. “He is open and flexible to ensure the election of a president on Jan. 9, as per the international community,” Moussa told L’Orient-Le Jour. According to him, the ambassadors from the Group of Five countries involved in the Lebanese issue (the U.S., France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar) will meet in the coming days with the rest of the leaders, in search of a breakthrough.
