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Samir Geagea says 'not opposed' to giving the Finance Ministry to Shiites

"This does not mean it should be in the hands of Amal or Hezbollah," says the LF leader on the Finance Ministry.

Samir Geagea says 'not opposed' to giving the Finance Ministry to Shiites

Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea interviewed by Marcel Ghanem on MTV, Jan. 23, 2025. (Credit: Photo from the LF website)

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF), said Thursday evening that he is "not opposed" to the Finance Ministry being assigned to the Shiite community in the next government. Geagea also expressed hope that Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and newly elected President Joseph Aoun will ensure "the strongest presence of Lebanon's political forces" in the cabinet.

Geagea's comments come as Lebanon awaits the announcement of Salam's ministerial lineup. The Shiite alliance — Hezbollah and Amal — have been adamant about retaining the Finance Ministry, a stance firmly supported by Amal leader and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. On Wednesday, Berri reiterated that this ministry is a right granted to the Shiite community under the terms of the 1989 Taif Agreement, which forms the basis of Lebanon's current constitution.

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Speaking on journalist Marcel Ghanem's show Sar al-Waet (It's Time), Geagea also addressed the security situation in southern Lebanon and pledged his support for Joseph Aoun's presidency.

On the issue of the Finance Ministry, the LF leader remarked, "This time, we can entrust it to the Shiite community, given its current weakness," referencing the toll Hezbollah has suffered in its war with Israel. Initially sporadic since Oct. 8, 2023, the clashes between the two sides escalated into near-total warfare last September, severely weakening the Hezbollah and decimating its leadership ranks.

Geagea added, "We are not opposed to Shiites leading this ministry, but that does not mean it must be in the hands of Amal or Hezbollah. We are against any community exclusively owning a particular portfolio."

Aoun and Salam's interest

Geagea stated that his party did not "impose" any ministers in the upcoming cabinet, noting that he had merely "communicated the profiles of several candidates to Nawaf Salam, who is responsible for completing the process." He added that "ministers do not necessarily have to come from the same community as the party nominating them."

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The LF denied on Tuesday accusations that it had caused a political crisis by demanding the Energy and Water Ministry, supposedly to undermine their political rival, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM). However, Geagea did not directly address these claims during his interview.

He emphasized that "it is in Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam's interest to have the strongest presence of Lebanon's political forces in the government," signaling that his party will be part of the Cabinet, as it shares "a common vision" with Aoun's inaugural speech from Jan. 9, the day of his election.

Rejection of the 'army-people-resistance' formula

Discussing the tense situation in southern Lebanon, Geagea expressed his "concern about the presence of Israeli forces" in the region, asserting that "confronting them is necessary and part of the Lebanese state's responsibilities." He reiterated his rejection of any "direct or distorted" version of the "army-people-resistance" formula, emphasizing that "the protection of Lebanon is the duty and right of the Lebanese state."

Geagea also launched a direct attack on the Hezbollah and its supporters, accusing them of "always considering themselves victorious, no matter what," and repeatedly mocked Hezbollah. He ironically commented on the "victory" proclaimed by Hezbollah MPS, following the deadly 2024 war in Lebanon. Geagea also singled out Michel Aoun, former President and former leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, for making similar claims before his exile to France.

This article was originally published in French in L'Orient Le-Jour. 

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF), said Thursday evening that he is "not opposed" to the Finance Ministry being assigned to the Shiite community in the next government. Geagea also expressed hope that Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and newly elected President Joseph Aoun will ensure "the strongest presence of Lebanon's political forces" in the...