Former Deputy Antoine Saad has passed away at the age of 88. Photo Ani
BEIRUT — Former Greek Orthodox lawmaker Antoine Saad, a longtime member of Lebanon’s Democratic Gathering bloc and a staunch opponent of Syrian influence in the country, died on Monday at the age of 86 after suffering a sudden health issue, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Born in 1937 in Rachaya, Saad joined the Lebanese army in 1957 and rose through the ranks, attaining the rank of general in 1994 before retiring in 1998.
A close ally of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, he was elected to Parliament in 2005 on the March 14 Alliance’s list, defeating former Deputy Speaker Elie Ferzli, a key pro-Syrian figure in the region. He secured re-election in 2009.
Saad was a vocal critic of the Assad regime and also opposed General Michel Aoun, Lebanon’s future president. On Jan. 1, 1990, while leading a military government, Aoun had Saad arrested on charges of plotting a coup with the Lebanese Forces. He was released four months later on the orders of then-President Elias Hrawi.
The Democratic Gathering paid tribute to Saad, praising his "national role and commitment to popular causes." The bloc also noted his ties to Kamal Joumblatt, the founder of the Progressive Socialist Party, and his continued support for Walid Joumblatt. It described him as a follower of the “Chehabist school,” in reference to former President Fouad Chehab.
