Lebanon appoints a new head of state: Anthony Samrani answered your questions

That's the end of this live Q&A with our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani!

We thank you for all your questions and look forward to seeing you again very soon. In the meantime, you can find all the news surrounding Joseph Aoun's election in our live blog here.

And here is a last question from Gabrielle Colchen:

What do you think of a president supported by the USA and Saudi Arabia? What does this mean for Lebanon's future, and what do the Lebanese think about it?

Good evening Gabrielle Colchen, thank you for your question.

It is unfortunate that Lebanon cannot elect its president without foreign interference. That said, the political reality is such that without the numerous interventions over the past week — so much so that ambassadors attended the electoral session in Parliament — we would probably still be without a president. The fact that Joseph Aoun is supported by the United States and Saudi Arabia is seen more or less positively depending on each person’s geopolitical aspirations. Pro-Hezbollah supporters view it as a bad sign, unlike those opposed to the party. In any case, Lebanon urgently needs foreign aid, which is impossible to obtain without the help of these two countries.

The next question comes from Raymond Bechara:

Is there a ‘package deal’ for the ministerial appointments? If not, how long will the process of appointing a new government take? Could we see technocrat ministers?

Good evening Raymond Bechara, thank you for your question.

I don't know, and I don't believe there is a ‘package deal’ for the ministerial appointments. However, there are likely a number of elements that have already been negotiated in advance. Among them, the fact that the Amal-Hezbollah tandem will likely maintain control over the Ministry of Finance, to keep influence over the executive branch through the third signature.

Anne Sophie Mercier asks:

Do you think Joseph Aoun will have enough power to ensure that Hezbollah is no longer a state within a state? Or will external circumstances play a major role?

Hello Anne Sophie Mercier, thank you for your question.

Does Hezbollah still have the means to be a state within a non-state? This is not yet clear, especially if the non-state gradually becomes a real state. Joseph Aoun must find the right balance between having the capacity to impose red lines on Hezbollah and the need to avoid total confrontation with the party of God.

We continue with the following question from Elie Nader:

Thank you very much for this opportunity to ask questions about the new president of the Republic.

What do you think about Joseph Aoun’s announcement to involve the diaspora in legislative elections and his desire for better parliamentary representation? Moreover, will he really have the capacity to implement deep reforms with the current composition of Parliament?

Good evening Elie Nader, it’s always a pleasure to try to answer all your questions.

The diaspora already participates in legislative elections, but it could indeed be possible to involve them further. As for his capacity to reform the country, we need to be realistic. Joseph Aoun must first embody a form of stability and implement the cease-fire agreement. It is not his responsibility to carry out most of the reforms, particularly on economic and social fronts. To give a concrete example, concerning the restructuring of the banking system, Joseph Aoun’s election, in and of itself, should not fundamentally change the situation. Unless it pushes the parties blocking the process — especially banking circles and their proxies in Parliament — to change their attitude, understanding that they no longer have a choice.

Here is a question from Edouard al-Dahdah:

Thank you for your analysis and the excellent coverage of the last war by L’OLJ’s correspondents. Why did it take more than two years for a president to be elected? The pressures are nothing new, nor is the opposition from the FPM, nor the "neither yes nor no” stance of the tandem (Amal-Hezbollah)...

Good evening Edouard al-Dahdah, thank you for your support and your question,

Joseph Aoun could have been elected more than two years ago. However, his election today marks a new reality: a weakened Hezbollah, a collapsed ‘axis of resistance,’ a shift in the balance of power, and an urgent need to secure funds to rebuild the south of the country. The breakthrough is essentially tied to this context. The Amal-Hezbollah tandem had no other choice.

Despite a flawless military record, Joseph Aoun remains, for now, a political enigma. Find his portrait here.

The next question comes from Pierre-Emmanuel de Breitenbach:

Hello and thank you for your coverage of the events over time. In this great upheaval that the region is currently experiencing, what will Joseph Aoun’s stance be towards both Iran and Israel? Can we expect any surprises?

Good evening Pierre-Emmanuel de Breitenbach, thank you for your question.

Joseph Aoun spoke of “positive neutrality” in his speech. This indicates a desire to avoid confrontation with all regional actors while also playing a role in conflict resolution. Regarding Israel, we can expect a strong stance against the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon or the violations of Lebanese sovereignty by the Israeli state. However, he will refrain from adopting the rhetoric of “Resistance” and has stated in his speech that he supports a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As for Iran, he will likely seek to maintain good relations with the country while also embodying the end of Iranian interference in Lebanon.

We continue with this question from Jean-Paul Thomas:

Here is a seventh general who has reached the presidency of the Lebanese Republic, elected by deputies who are largely disliked by the public, after years of mismanagement and repeated scandals. Isn’t it time to dissolve Parliament and finally hold free elections that would reflect the often-ignored public opinion?

Hello Jean-Paul Thomas, thank you for being with us, we have many people joining today!

Joseph Aoun is the fifth general to reach the presidency of the Lebanese Republic, and the fourth to move directly from the position of army commander to that of head of state. The 2026 elections, if they happen, could reflect the public aspiration you mention. However, our zaims, whether we like it or not, still enjoy, at varying levels, real popular support.

Dive into the behind-the-scenes of the final diplomatic push for Joseph Aoun, with this article by Mounir Rabih.

Sara Nowacka asks the following questions:

Is the joy of finally having a head of state shared by all Lebanese communities? Would you say some groups are disappointed?

Also, to what extent could this election impact the Lebanese economy?

Hello Sara Nowacka, thank you for your questions.

The army is one of the few institutions to enjoy nearly unanimous support in Lebanon. Joseph Aoun, hailing from a village in southern Lebanon, is not seen as a threat to any particular community. However, the context of his election, which follows the defeat of Hezbollah, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and significant diplomatic pressure from France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, means that some Lebanese, particularly within the Shiite community, may view it as a symbol of a new external tutelage.

This election is viewed positively in economic circles, as it is expected to open the door to foreign aid and contribute to the stabilization of the country.

Weapons, justice, Syria: Find the key statements from Joseph Aoun's inaugural speech here.

Here’s a question from Den Elkoubi:

What are the chances that the new president will fully disarm Hezbollah? What is his real margin of maneuver?

Hello Den Elkoubi, thank you for your message.

In his first speech, Joseph Aoun explicitly mentioned the need for the state to hold the monopoly on legitimate violence and referred to the defense strategy that could help address this issue. The new president must first ensure Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the area south of the Litani River, where the army should take the lead. North of the Litani, the operation will be more complex.

Joseph Aoun is fully aware that attempting to disarm the Iran-backed party by force would lead to civil war. His goal will likely be to initiate political negotiations with Hezbollah, possibly leading to the integration of its fighters into the army in exchange for certain compensations. Moreover, he will certainly be very active in matters concerning border control, as well as the airport and port — areas where he might need to flex his muscles if necessary, particularly in dealings with Hezbollah.

We continue with a question from Hannibal:

What do the "Sovereignty and Constitution" ballots mean? And which parliamentary group do they come from?

Hello Hannibal, thank you for your question.

Most likely, it was the MPs of Gebran Bassil's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — the big losers in this election — who cast votes for "Sovereignty and Constitution." This was their way of contesting an election they deem illegitimate, as a first-category public servant is normally ineligible for election without a constitutional amendment.

However, it’s worth noting that this is probably not the real reason for the FPM's opposition to this election. ‘The other General Aoun’ possesses all the qualities to overshadow the son-in-law of the former president, with whom he has a notoriously poor relationship, and to reclaim a significant part of the traditional Aounist legacy.

We start with a question from Nadine Meouchy:

What tools will Joseph Aoun have to reform the state and ensure the separation of powers?

Hello Nadine Meouchy, and thank you for joining us.

Since the Taif Agreement, the President of the Republic’s powers have been more limited, with the Council of Ministers theoretically responsible for implementing reforms. However, in Lebanon — perhaps more than anywhere else — constitutional realities often depend on how actors interpret them and their political influence.

President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech signals his intent to play a prominent role across all areas of Lebanese political life. His firmness, natural authority, and the fact that he enjoys both popular and international support should give him greater leeway. However, this leeway will remain constrained: no one can govern alone in Lebanon, as multiple actors possess blocking powers.

Joseph Aoun's election marks a symbolic turning point. Politically, he can set broad orientations and act as a guardian of the institutions. However, the success of his presidency will largely hinge on his ability to navigate the political game without compromising all his principles.

Hello,

Today at 6 p.m. Beirut time, our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani will be here to answer all your questions about General Joseph Aoun's election as President of the Lebanese Republic.

You can send your questions now to the following address: livechatolj@lorientlejour.com

Good evening, everyone!

We’re about to kick off this new Q&A session with our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani.

A quick reminder: you can still send your questions to the following address: livechatolj@lorientlejour.com

That's the end of this live Q&A with our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani!

We thank you for all your questions and look forward to seeing you again very soon. In the meantime, you can find all the news surrounding Joseph Aoun's election in our live blog here.

And here is a last question from Gabrielle Colchen:

What do you think of a president supported by the USA and Saudi Arabia? What does this mean for Lebanon's future, and what do the Lebanese think about it?

Good evening Gabrielle Colchen, thank you for your question.

It is unfortunate that Lebanon cannot elect its president without foreign interference. That said, the political reality is such that without the numerous interventions over the past week — so much so that ambassadors attended the electoral session in Parliament — we would probably still be without a president. The fact that Joseph Aoun is supported by the United States and Saudi Arabia is seen more or less positively depending on each person’s geopolitical aspirations. Pro-Hezbollah supporters view it as a bad sign, unlike those opposed to the party. In any case, Lebanon urgently needs foreign aid, which is impossible to obtain without the help of these two countries.

The next question comes from Raymond Bechara:

Is there a ‘package deal’ for the ministerial appointments? If not, how long will the process of appointing a new government take? Could we see technocrat ministers?

Good evening Raymond Bechara, thank you for your question.

I don't know, and I don't believe there is a ‘package deal’ for the ministerial appointments. However, there are likely a number of elements that have already been negotiated in advance. Among them, the fact that the Amal-Hezbollah tandem will likely maintain control over the Ministry of Finance, to keep influence over the executive branch through the third signature.

Anne Sophie Mercier asks:

Do you think Joseph Aoun will have enough power to ensure that Hezbollah is no longer a state within a state? Or will external circumstances play a major role?

Hello Anne Sophie Mercier, thank you for your question.

Does Hezbollah still have the means to be a state within a non-state? This is not yet clear, especially if the non-state gradually becomes a real state. Joseph Aoun must find the right balance between having the capacity to impose red lines on Hezbollah and the need to avoid total confrontation with the party of God.

We continue with the following question from Elie Nader:

Thank you very much for this opportunity to ask questions about the new president of the Republic.

What do you think about Joseph Aoun’s announcement to involve the diaspora in legislative elections and his desire for better parliamentary representation? Moreover, will he really have the capacity to implement deep reforms with the current composition of Parliament?

Good evening Elie Nader, it’s always a pleasure to try to answer all your questions.

The diaspora already participates in legislative elections, but it could indeed be possible to involve them further. As for his capacity to reform the country, we need to be realistic. Joseph Aoun must first embody a form of stability and implement the cease-fire agreement. It is not his responsibility to carry out most of the reforms, particularly on economic and social fronts. To give a concrete example, concerning the restructuring of the banking system, Joseph Aoun’s election, in and of itself, should not fundamentally change the situation. Unless it pushes the parties blocking the process — especially banking circles and their proxies in Parliament — to change their attitude, understanding that they no longer have a choice.

Here is a question from Edouard al-Dahdah:

Thank you for your analysis and the excellent coverage of the last war by L’OLJ’s correspondents. Why did it take more than two years for a president to be elected? The pressures are nothing new, nor is the opposition from the FPM, nor the "neither yes nor no” stance of the tandem (Amal-Hezbollah)...

Good evening Edouard al-Dahdah, thank you for your support and your question,

Joseph Aoun could have been elected more than two years ago. However, his election today marks a new reality: a weakened Hezbollah, a collapsed ‘axis of resistance,’ a shift in the balance of power, and an urgent need to secure funds to rebuild the south of the country. The breakthrough is essentially tied to this context. The Amal-Hezbollah tandem had no other choice.

Despite a flawless military record, Joseph Aoun remains, for now, a political enigma. Find his portrait here.

The next question comes from Pierre-Emmanuel de Breitenbach:

Hello and thank you for your coverage of the events over time. In this great upheaval that the region is currently experiencing, what will Joseph Aoun’s stance be towards both Iran and Israel? Can we expect any surprises?

Good evening Pierre-Emmanuel de Breitenbach, thank you for your question.

Joseph Aoun spoke of “positive neutrality” in his speech. This indicates a desire to avoid confrontation with all regional actors while also playing a role in conflict resolution. Regarding Israel, we can expect a strong stance against the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon or the violations of Lebanese sovereignty by the Israeli state. However, he will refrain from adopting the rhetoric of “Resistance” and has stated in his speech that he supports a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As for Iran, he will likely seek to maintain good relations with the country while also embodying the end of Iranian interference in Lebanon.

We continue with this question from Jean-Paul Thomas:

Here is a seventh general who has reached the presidency of the Lebanese Republic, elected by deputies who are largely disliked by the public, after years of mismanagement and repeated scandals. Isn’t it time to dissolve Parliament and finally hold free elections that would reflect the often-ignored public opinion?

Hello Jean-Paul Thomas, thank you for being with us, we have many people joining today!

Joseph Aoun is the fifth general to reach the presidency of the Lebanese Republic, and the fourth to move directly from the position of army commander to that of head of state. The 2026 elections, if they happen, could reflect the public aspiration you mention. However, our zaims, whether we like it or not, still enjoy, at varying levels, real popular support.

Dive into the behind-the-scenes of the final diplomatic push for Joseph Aoun, with this article by Mounir Rabih.

Sara Nowacka asks the following questions:

Is the joy of finally having a head of state shared by all Lebanese communities? Would you say some groups are disappointed?

Also, to what extent could this election impact the Lebanese economy?

Hello Sara Nowacka, thank you for your questions.

The army is one of the few institutions to enjoy nearly unanimous support in Lebanon. Joseph Aoun, hailing from a village in southern Lebanon, is not seen as a threat to any particular community. However, the context of his election, which follows the defeat of Hezbollah, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and significant diplomatic pressure from France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, means that some Lebanese, particularly within the Shiite community, may view it as a symbol of a new external tutelage.

This election is viewed positively in economic circles, as it is expected to open the door to foreign aid and contribute to the stabilization of the country.

Weapons, justice, Syria: Find the key statements from Joseph Aoun's inaugural speech here.

Here’s a question from Den Elkoubi:

What are the chances that the new president will fully disarm Hezbollah? What is his real margin of maneuver?

Hello Den Elkoubi, thank you for your message.

In his first speech, Joseph Aoun explicitly mentioned the need for the state to hold the monopoly on legitimate violence and referred to the defense strategy that could help address this issue. The new president must first ensure Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the area south of the Litani River, where the army should take the lead. North of the Litani, the operation will be more complex.

Joseph Aoun is fully aware that attempting to disarm the Iran-backed party by force would lead to civil war. His goal will likely be to initiate political negotiations with Hezbollah, possibly leading to the integration of its fighters into the army in exchange for certain compensations. Moreover, he will certainly be very active in matters concerning border control, as well as the airport and port — areas where he might need to flex his muscles if necessary, particularly in dealings with Hezbollah.

We continue with a question from Hannibal:

What do the "Sovereignty and Constitution" ballots mean? And which parliamentary group do they come from?

Hello Hannibal, thank you for your question.

Most likely, it was the MPs of Gebran Bassil's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — the big losers in this election — who cast votes for "Sovereignty and Constitution." This was their way of contesting an election they deem illegitimate, as a first-category public servant is normally ineligible for election without a constitutional amendment.

However, it’s worth noting that this is probably not the real reason for the FPM's opposition to this election. ‘The other General Aoun’ possesses all the qualities to overshadow the son-in-law of the former president, with whom he has a notoriously poor relationship, and to reclaim a significant part of the traditional Aounist legacy.

We start with a question from Nadine Meouchy:

What tools will Joseph Aoun have to reform the state and ensure the separation of powers?

Hello Nadine Meouchy, and thank you for joining us.

Since the Taif Agreement, the President of the Republic’s powers have been more limited, with the Council of Ministers theoretically responsible for implementing reforms. However, in Lebanon — perhaps more than anywhere else — constitutional realities often depend on how actors interpret them and their political influence.

President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech signals his intent to play a prominent role across all areas of Lebanese political life. His firmness, natural authority, and the fact that he enjoys both popular and international support should give him greater leeway. However, this leeway will remain constrained: no one can govern alone in Lebanon, as multiple actors possess blocking powers.

Joseph Aoun's election marks a symbolic turning point. Politically, he can set broad orientations and act as a guardian of the institutions. However, the success of his presidency will largely hinge on his ability to navigate the political game without compromising all his principles.

Hello,

Today at 6 p.m. Beirut time, our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani will be here to answer all your questions about General Joseph Aoun's election as President of the Lebanese Republic.

You can send your questions now to the following address: livechatolj@lorientlejour.com

Good evening, everyone!

We’re about to kick off this new Q&A session with our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani.

A quick reminder: you can still send your questions to the following address: livechatolj@lorientlejour.com