Akkar MP Walid Baarini. (Credit: Michel Hallak/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Akkar MP Walid Baarini announced his withdrawal from the National Moderation Bloc in a statement on Monday. “I am now free,” he told L’Orient Today shortly after the statement was released. A few moments later, his fellow Akkar MP Ahmad Rustom issued a statement announcing his departure from the bloc as well.
Baarini explained that for several months he had felt “the bloc had become a heavy burden.”
“Since the Abu Omar affair, disagreements among the group’s members have multiplied, when we should all have been working for the good of the country,” he added, alluding to the contradictory statements made by National Moderation MPs regarding the fake Saudi prince.
In recent days, members of the National Moderation bloc gave their testimonies in the case revolving around a mechanic from Akkar, Moustapha Hessian, who allegedly impersonated a high-ranking Saudi representative under the pseudonym “Abu Omar.”
He reportedly promised Saudi support to several Lebanese politicians for their campaigns, candidacies, and activities in exchange for money.
On Monday, Sajih Attieh and Ahmad Kheir, both members of the National Moderation bloc, were questioned by the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Jamal Hajjar, as witnesses, following the hearing last Friday of their colleague Mohammad Sleiman.
According to their statements, an individual claiming to be close to Riyadh contacted Sleiman in January 2025 to suggest the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister, while also criticizing former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whom he described as "corrupt."
Attieh clarified that this call was "superfluous": the National Moderation bloc — alongside the majority of Parliament — had already granted Salam its support.
"I was convinced from the outset that Nawaf Salam should be appointed to form the government, especially since the Mikati option was completely off the table," Baarini explained to L'Orient Today, asserting that he had "never been in contact" with Abu Omar.
He did, however, confirm that Sleiman had told a meeting prior to the parliamentary consultations that he had been in contact with Abu Omar. Baarini also indicated that he is preparing to form a list for the 2026 parliamentary elections.
“Stemming from my deep belief that public service can only be sound when it is based on dignity, and that genuine political partnership is built on safeguarding one another’s backs rather than burdening them, on preserving trust rather than exhausting it, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the National Moderation Bloc," Baarani's statement announcing his withdrawal read.
"Preserving dignity is not a passing detail; it is the essence of politics when practiced with sincerity ... This decision is a conscious and responsible choice, directed against no one and carrying no confrontational intent. It stems instead from my concern for myself, for my region, and for the credibility of my stance before the people."
"My compass will remain steady: the dignity of the people, the interest of the region, and standing by its residents with clarity and responsibility, because politics that does not protect the dignity of those who practice it cannot protect a nation," he concluded.
Rustom, for his part, explained his withdrawal by citing "a commitment" to what he considers "just and responsible in the exercise of public life.”
“When a conviction becomes a burden within any political framework, and when disagreement touches upon the very essence of the values and principles we defend, it becomes necessary to reposition oneself to preserve meaning before position,” he stated.
“This decision is not personal and does not stem from any opposition," he wrote, "but rather results from a considered assessment of my national responsibilities, my concern to preserve my credibility before the people, and to protect the very essence of political action from any ambiguity.”
“In this context,” Rustom concluded, “I reaffirm that my connection with the people of Akkar remains constant and that defending their rights and legitimate demands will remain at the heart of my priorities, far removed from any organizational structure and always close to the daily lives and concerns of citizens.”
