Ahmad Hariri addressing supporters during a gathering in Chouf. Photo X / @AhmadElHariri
Ahmad Hariri, secretary-general of the Future Movement — currently withdrawn from Lebanon’s political scene since a decision announced three years ago by its leader, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri — has called on his supporters to "get ready" for the 2026 parliamentary elections. He described the vote as a "key milestone" for the party’s return to politics.
Speaking at a partisan gathering in Katermaya, Chouf, south of Beirut, ahead of the 20th commemoration of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Saad’s father, Ahmad Hariri acknowledged that the past two decades since the Beirut bombing "have been difficult for everyone." However, he argued that events of the past four months — particularly Israel’s targeted killings of senior Hezbollah figures and, most significantly, the fall of the Syrian regime — have "brought justice to the martyr" Rafik Hariri. In this context, he stated that "the Feb. 14 demonstrations should also be a celebration of the fall of the Assad regime," accused of involvement in Hariri’s assassination.
'With Saad Hariri, we will return'
"Nothing can better protect Lebanon than the establishment of a true state — one that respects the people’s will," he said, calling for adherence to the constitution and for weapons to be exclusively in the hands of the state and the Lebanese Army, in a clear reference to Hezbollah’s arsenal.
Declaring the start of a "new era with the election" of President Joseph Aoun, Ahmad Hariri called for the formation of a government "capable of addressing the socio-economic crisis and organizing municipal elections [expected before May 2025] and, most importantly, the 2026 parliamentary elections." He emphasized that this vote would be "a key milestone for the Future Movement’s return to the political scene."
"So, get ready," he urged dozens of supporters. "With Saad Hariri, we will return to political life, stronger, God willing."
As every year, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is expected to visit Beirut for the commemoration of his father’s assassination on Feb. 14. However, this time, his visit — taking place amid a radically different context and major geopolitical shifts in the region — could be longer. L’Orient-Le Jour has learned from informed sources that the Sunni leader has recalled his close advisors and members of his former election campaign team to prepare the ground for the May 2026 parliamentary elections.
For several years, similar reports have emerged during his brief visits to Beirut, each time fueling hopes among his supporters for his political comeback following his withdrawal in January 2022 and subsequent departure to the United Arab Emirates.
On Saturday, Ahmad Hariri also visited Arsal (Bekaa), where he said, “Bashar al-Assad has gone and we are coming back."
He congratulated Ahmad al-Sharaa on becoming the new Syrian president and called on the people of Arsal to participate in the demonstrations scheduled on Feb. 14 to "celebrate the fall of the Assad regime and Syria's freedom from his tyranny.”
He added that Saad Hariri's speech on Feb. 14 will "reflect the aspirations of the next stage and confirm that moderation will remain the guiding light of the Future Movement."
“Be ready to return to our roots and regain our natural position in the national equation and among our people,” he said while addressing the people of Arsal.
'The Arab camp, a source of good for Lebanon'
Rafik Hariri’s nephew also praised "the return of Arab countries" to Lebanon, "led by Saudi Arabia," which he said signals a "new momentum" and "positive prospects."
"The Arab camp has always been a source of good for Lebanon, unlike the Iranian camp, which has brought only destruction and resentment among the region’s peoples," he stated, calling — without naming it — for Hezbollah and its allies to "return to Lebanon’s fold and uphold peace and the Constitution."
The visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to Beirut on Jan. 23 marked Saudi Arabia’s renewed engagement in Lebanon after taking a step back in 2016 amid its standoff with Iran. Prince bin Farhan was the first high-ranking Saudi official to visit Beirut since 2010. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy on Jan. 24 after a four-year closure.
