The First Lady of Lebanon, Neemat Aoun, on Feb. 27, 2025. Screenshot of a photo shared on her Instagram account, lbfirstlady.
Lebanese First Lady Neemat Aoun officially launched her social media accounts on Thursday evening, sharing the same message across multiple platforms in a direct address to the Lebanese people. Her approach contrasts with that of her predecessors, as well as the wives of former prime ministers and the Parliament president, who have largely remained absent from social media.
Aoun’s first post was a photo of herself with her arms crossed. She's smiling, standing and slightly leaning against a table in what appears to be Baabda Presidential Palace.
The photo was published on her Instagram, X and Facebook accounts, which had approximately 15,000, 4,000, and 3,200 followers, respectively, as of Friday morning. The accompanying message read:
"Dear Lebanese, you are part of every moment and every dream. Our strength has always been and will always be in the love we have for one another and in our faith in our homeland. And I am convinced that you are the true blessing of Lebanon," she wrote, in what appeared to be a play on her own name, which means "blessing" in Arabic. "Together, we form the hand that holds the other, to preserve our beloved country."
The Aouns: A "power couple"
The post sparked widespread reactions online, with many comments praising Aoun's message and commitment.
"A First Lady in the true sense of the word, she embodies strength and dignity," one user wrote. Another described her as "the elegance and resilience of the Lebanese woman, a model for all generations." One commenter referred to Neemat and Joseph Aoun as a "power couple," expressing hope that they would "open a new chapter for the country." Another wrote, "Finally, a presidential couple that represents and inspires us." Many echoed a sense of "renewal" and "optimism," saying they were proud of the duo.
However, on X, some users criticized the timing of her message, urging her to encourage her husband to focus on security issues at the southern border, where Israeli strikes continue.
In mid-February, Aoun toured several pediatric cancer treatment centers in Lebanon. A few days earlier, in a filmed exchange at Baabda Palace, she drew positive reactions for her warm interactions with journalists.
As first lady, Aoun will attend official ceremonies and commemorations while also representing the head of state on social and humanitarian issues. She is expected to support initiatives addressing Lebanon’s ongoing economic, financial and social crises.
Traditionally, the first lady serves as director of the National Council of Lebanese Women, alongside the wives of the prime minister and the parliament president. During the previous mandate, the council was led by Michel Aoun’s daughter, Claudine.
