‘Tell me when parliamentary elections will be held, and I will tell you what the Future Movement will do,’ Saad Hariri tells thousands marking his father’s assassination | LIVE

Jumblatt received by Saad Hariri

Received by Saad Hariri at the Center House, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt said that “the Taif Agreement is applicable,” adding that “the Lebanese army is making a colossal effort to ensure the monopoly of arms, and the doubts being raised come from certain actors on the local scene.”

He also welcomed Hariri’s remarks and the tribute addressed to the people of the South. “The legislative elections will take place and we are ready for them,” he concluded.

Bahaa Hariri: We will not shake a hand stained with Rafik Hariri’s blood

Bahaa Hariri, the eldest son of the assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, said on X that he would not “shake a hand stained” with his father’s blood.

“The class of failure that has inherited power over the past two decades has succeeded in turning Lebanon into a hostage and plunging its people into a deep abyss of bankruptcy, dependency and systematic corruption. This ruling class, riddled with reliance on weapons and the looting of public funds, has not only destroyed the country’s foundations but has sought to break people’s will and dismantle Lebanon’s pioneering role in its environment and in the world,” Hariri said.

He added that “Rafik Hariri’s project has suffered a second assassination: by justifying illegal weapons, normalizing collapse and covering up corruption under the labels of national unity and wisdom.”

“We will offer no condolences to Rafik Hariri’s killers. We will not shake a hand stained with his blood or one that has conspired against his legacy,” he concluded

Saad Hariri spoke by phone with Nabih Berry

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri received a phone call from Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry, during which they discussed the latest developments in the country.

U.S. Embassy: Rafik Hariri’s legacy of peace and prosperity still resonates

The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon said in a statement that “Rafik Hariri’s legacy of peace and prosperity continues to resonate after all these years and carries renewed importance.”

“Today’s commemorative ceremony underscores the need to deliver justice and hold accountable all those who have been targeted by non-state actors,” it added.

The embassy also noted that U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa laid a wreath earlier in the day at the grave of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Hariri to supporters at Center House: We will continue our path together

After his speech, Saad Hariri headed to Center House.

“We will continue our path together. You will lead Lebanon in the future,” he told his supporters.

Ghassan Salameh: Rafic Hariri worked to restore Lebanon’s place in the world

Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh paid tribute to the assassinated prime minister, describing him as “a patriot who loved his country without limits, working tirelessly to consolidate civil peace and striving to restore Lebanon’s position in the world without ever stopping.”

“I worked with him as a minister and received nothing but support from him, which allowed Lebanon to organize major summits and enabled culture to benefit from a fully functioning ministry,” Salameh added in a post on X.

Saad Hariri warmly applauded by the crowd

At the end of his speech, Saad Hariri was warmly applauded by the crowd gathered in downtown Beirut.

Saad Hariri: Lebanese deserve a normal country with one Constitution and one army

“Lebanese are tired, and after long years of wars, divisions, alliances and disputes, they now have the right to a normal country with one Constitution, one army and one weapon,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: Harirism will continue to back Arab rapprochement

“Harirism has always supported and will continue to support any Arab rapprochement, and to reject any Arab discord,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: We want the best possible relations with Arab countries, starting with Syria

“We want to maintain the best possible relations with all Arab countries, starting with our closest neighbor, Syria — the new Syria, the free Syria that has rid itself of the criminal and tyrannical regime that devastated it and Lebanon and spread its poison in the Arab world,” he said.

“We salute the people of the new Syria and wish success to all the efforts of unification, stabilization and reconstruction led by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. We extend our hand to him so that he continues his policy of conciliation and reconciliation, because Syria has room for everyone and can only move forward with everyone.”

Saad Hariri: Our moment is approaching

“Together within the Future Movement, our moment is approaching. It may be a little farther away than you hoped, but certainly much closer than their illusions,” he said. “Our moment is a commitment, and we will keep our commitment.”

Saad Hariri: Future Movement will be your voice in national votes, especially parliamentary elections

“The Future Movement will be your voice in national votes, especially the parliamentary elections,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: We all failed in our duties toward Tripoli

“I want to send a special salute to Tripoli and its residents, to whom I say that what collapsed in Tripoli was not only buildings. What collapsed was the dignity of all state officials. What collapsed was the credibility of politicians, parties, leaders and businesspeople,” Saad Hariri said.

“We all failed in our duties toward Tripoli, and we are all responsible for the tragedy of Bab al-Tabbaneh,” he added.

Saad Hariri salutes residents of southern Lebanon

“I sincerely salute the people of southern Lebanon, who have the right to a state that enables them to remain on their land,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: Taif Agreement must be fully implemented, with weapons in state hands

“We will not tolerate any internal discord. The Taif Agreement is the solution and must be fully implemented by placing the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state and abolishing confessionalism,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: Our project will endure as long as you remain united

“We are not giving up, because our project, Rafik Hariri’s project, is based on the conviction that Lebanon will rise again no matter what happens. Our project will endure as long as you remain united,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: We know when to wait and when to take responsibility

“We know when to wait and when to assume our responsibilities, and we know that national Harirism may step back and pause, but it does not break and it does not disappear,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: We stepped aside, but we share your concerns

“We stepped aside, but we are present and we share your concerns,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: The Future Movement defends sovereignty over Lebanon’s 10,452 square kilometers

“The Future Movement sees politics as a way to defend the dignity of the country. It defends sovereignty over Lebanon’s 10,452 square kilometers and the rights of all citizens, without exception, in every home in the North, the Bekaa, the South and the Mountain, as well as in every neighborhood of Beirut and its suburbs,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: We refused to cover failure or compromise with the state

“When we were asked to cover up failure and make compromises at the expense of the state, we refused and chose to step aside,” he said. “Because politics at the expense of the country’s dignity and the state project has no meaning and has no place in our school.”

Saad Hariri: Rafik Hariri lives in you

“You are the path of the martyr Rafik Hariri, and what I say every year, here and in every square, is that Rafik Hariri lives in you,” Saad Hariri said.

Saad Hariri: The country, coexistence and the economy need Rafik Hariri’s approach

“The country, coexistence and the economy need Rafik Hariri’s approach,” he said.

Saad Hariri warmly cheered by the crowd

As he delivers his speech, Saad Hariri is being warmly cheered by the crowd, which is waving Lebanese flags and portraits of his father.

Saad Hariri: Tomorrow will be better; we can see the light at the end of the tunnel

“I tell you that tomorrow will be better,” Saad Hariri said, invoking the memory of Gebran Tueni and all the martyrs, “as we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Saad Hariri: You proved Rafik Hariri’s project did not die with him

“You have proven that Rafik Hariri’s project was not a dream that ended with his assassination, because you are Rafik Hariri’s dream for the future and you are the future,” he said.

Saad Hariri to crowd: 21 years later, you are still as many

“21 years later, you are still as many, even in the rain!” Saad Hariri told the crowd.

Nadim Gemayel: Only the state’s weapons should protect Lebanese

Kataeb MP Nadim Gemayel said it is time to end the presence of illegal weapons, which he said led to the assassination of Rafik Hariri.

“It is time today to put an end to and remove the illegal weapons that led to the assassination of Rafik Hariri. The weapons of the state must be the only ones to protect all Lebanese,” Gemayel said while paying respects at Hariri’s grave.

Saad Hariri accompanied by family, Future Movement official

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is accompanied by his uncle Chafic Hariri, his aunt Bahia Hariri, and his cousin Ahmed Hariri, secretary-general of the Future Movement, Future TV reported.

Michel Sleiman: True legitimacy stems from respect for the Constitution

Former President Michel Sleiman said the commemoration of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is “not only a painful memory, but a set of national lessons in politics, morality and constitutional matters,” Future TV reported.

“Assassination does not erase the truth; it anchors it more deeply in people’s consciousness and strengthens the people’s love for the slain leader,” he added.

“Truth always ends up triumphing over lies, no matter how powerful those who create them may be, because justice is a long road, but a steady one. Democracy is stronger than repression and tyranny, and the will of peoples is invincible, whatever the pressures,” the former head of state said.

In remarks seen as directed at Hezbollah’s weapons, Sleiman added that “true legitimacy does not stem from a circumstantial decision or a temporary balance of power, but from respect for the Constitution and the dignity of the citizen.”

Saad Hariri arrives in downtown Beirut

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in central Beirut, where he was warmly welcomed by the crowd.

Supporters still stuck in traffic

Thousands of supporters traveling from southern Lebanon, Tripoli and the Bekaa toward Martyrs’ Square to hear Saad Hariri’s speech remain stuck on the roads because of traffic jams, Future TV reported.

Convoys from Akkar

Photo provided by Michel Hallak

Car convoys flowed in the morning from Akkar, including from the areas of Wadi Khaled, Aqroum, Dreib, Joumeh and Qaytaa, to mark the 21st anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and to renew support for his son, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Future Movement supporters arrive from southern Lebanon

Future Movement supporters arrive from southern Lebanon. Photo provided by Muntasser Abdallah.

Supporters of the Future Movement from Saida, Sour, Arqoub, Zahrani and Nabatieh gathered early in the morning at various locations before heading to Beirut to mark the 21st anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination, despite heavy rain.

Buses provided by the party then transported them to downtown Beirut.

“Our history has a future,” they chanted, waving portraits of the assassinated former prime minister and of his son, Saad Hariri, as well as Lebanese flags and Future Movement banners, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Frangieh pays tribute

Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh paid tribute on X to the assassinated former prime minister.

“Every year we miss you more, a man of initiative, moderation, dialogue and faith in Lebanon’s unity and freedom,” he wrote.

Moawad: They killed the man … but not the idea

Lawmaker Michel Moawad offered condolences on X to Rafik Hariri’s family.

“They killed the man … but they did not kill the idea. The idea of Lebanon as a state, Lebanon of moderation, openness and life, Lebanon belonging to its Arab fold and an active partner within it, the Lebanon embodied by Rafic Hariri until martyrdom,” he wrote.

Nazek Hariri: In Lebanon, there is no victor but the homeland

Nazek Hariri, the widow of the former prime minister assassinated 21 years ago, addressed what she called “my companion in life and heart, who remains alive in every heart.”

“His dreams remain the window of hope toward a better future, where Lebanon will again become the message-country, a living model of the meeting of cultures and civilizations and coexistence among religions,” she said, according to Future TV.

“This sad anniversary has also carried a scent of hope, because your martyrdom has become a cause of right, justice and unity of land and people, beating to the rhythm of freedom, sovereignty and independence,” she added.

“It is time to stop looking at one another with suspicion, because today is the time for reason and wisdom. Let us look together in one direction, toward a promising tomorrow. Weapons are not our language; our weapon is science, culture and knowledge. Our logic is not that of victor and vanquished, but this: there is no victor but our dear homeland, Lebanon,” she said, in remarks seen as a clear message to Hezbollah calling on it to hand over its weapons to the authorities.

Saad Hariri’s security detail arrives at his father’s grave

Members of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s security team arrived at the grave of his father, the assassinated former premier Rafik Hariri, in Martyrs’ Square to make final preparations.

Rudakov and Siniora pay tribute

Among those present at Martyrs’ Square to pay tribute were former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, a pillar of the Future Movement, as well as Russia’s ambassador, Alexander Rudakov, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Car convoys parade in Tariq al-Jdideh

Car convoys drove through the Tariq al-Jdideh neighborhood in Beirut this morning, waving Lebanese flags and Future Movement banners and chanting partisan slogans as they headed toward Martyrs’ Square to listen to a speech by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri in tribute to his assassinated father, the National News Agency said.

Participants said they expected Hariri’s speech to bring “security, prosperity and love for this country.” They also expressed full loyalty to the line of the “martyr president” Rafic Hariri, whom they described as “the man of reconstruction, knowledge and the rejection of illegal weapons.”

They voiced hope that Saad Hariri would announce a return to political life and participation in upcoming parliamentary elections after boycotting the last vote in 2022.

Kabalan urges sovereignty lessons, continuation of reconstruction

Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Kabalan said the anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri comes as Lebanon is living through “its worst political nightmare and a sovereign failure,” amid a deep crisis affecting governance, the concept of national partnership and the very fabric of Lebanese society.

He said Hariri’s legacy remains “central.”

“He dealt with foreign countries on an equal footing while respecting sovereignty and placed his international relations at the service of Lebanon, not against it,” Kabalan said, recalling the late leader’s commitment to “reconstruction,” as well as to “diversity and pluralism,” without ever citing a lack of means or resources.

“He did not give up on Lebanon’s strength, particularly its resistance, and treated the South and its front as if it were Beirut, the capital, meeting sovereign requirements without submitting,” the mufti added.

Kabalan called on the political class to “draw lessons in sovereignty and continue reconstruction projects, without squandering Lebanon’s capabilities or national interests,” and to implement the necessary economic, social and structural programs.

He warned against “political failure and the abandonment of sovereignty, because they are the gateway that threatens Lebanon’s very existence.”

Heavy traffic as participants head to commemoration

The influx of participants heading to the gathering marking the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri caused major traffic jams on roads and in tunnels leading to Martyrs’ Square, despite bad weather, the state-run National News Agency reported.

The agency spoke of hundreds of vehicles clustered at the northern, southern and eastern entrances to the capital, moving slowly toward downtown, and estimated the crowd at “several thousand” people.

The same situation was reported from Khalde toward Beirut and along Charles Helou Avenue toward Saifi.

Nadim Gemayel arrives at Martyrs’ Square

Kataeb lawmaker Nadim Gemayel arrived at Martyrs’ Square, where he paid respects at the grave of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Delegations from Akkar, Tripoli and Dinnieh arrive downtown

Popular delegations from Akkar, Tripoli, Dinnieh and other districts in northern Lebanon arrived at Martyrs’ Square to take part in the commemoration of Hariri’s assassination, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Mikati: Commemoration revives the principles Hariri worked to establish

Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the anniversary “revives the principles and foundations he worked to establish, including building the state and restoring national institutions, alongside strengthening Lebanon’s relations with countries around the world and with its Arab brothers, particularly Saudi Arabia.”

U.S. and Emirati ambassadors pay respects at Hariri’s grave

Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, and the United Arab Emirates ambassador, Fadl Salem Saeed al-Kaabi, paid their respects at Hariri’s tomb.

Delegations from Lebanese Forces, PSP visit the grave

Several political figures paid respects yesterday morning at Hariri’s grave, including Social Affairs Minister Hanine al-Sayed, representing Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar praised “the journey of a man who believed in Lebanon as a homeland of knowledge, reconstruction and hope.”

A delegation from the Lebanese Forces, including lawmaker Ghassan Hasbani and former minister May Chidiac, as well as another from the Progressive Socialist Party, also visited the tomb.

Crowd gathers in downtown Beirut

Saad Hariri is expected at noon in central Beirut, where he will visit his father’s grave and deliver a speech.

Ahead of his arrival, a crowd began gathering in the morning at Martyrs’ Square, decorated with large portraits of the two former prime ministers, despite the rain. They chanted slogans praising both father and son.

Saad Hariri stepped back from Lebanese politics in January 2022 and now lives in the United Arab Emirates. His return to Beirut this year is being closely watched by political figures and supporters of the Future Movement, the party he led. Some hope he will reenter political life as the Sunni community has struggled to unite around a leader since his departure.

Bahia Hariri also pays tribute

Earlier in the day, Bahia Hariri paid tribute to her late brother during the annual gathering held at her residence in Sidon with the Hariri Families Association and relatives from the Charaf family.

“We continue the path of the martyred president with Saad Hariri and with all those who believe in Harirism as a legacy and a set of human and national values. Our choice has been and will remain the project of building the state as Rafik Hariri envisioned it,” she said.

Officials pay tribute to Rafik Hariri

Senior officials, lawmakers and public figures marked the anniversary yesterday.

President Joseph Aoun said he feels “the absence of a man who dedicated his life to the state project, the reconstruction of Lebanon and strengthening its Arab and international presence.”

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised “a great man of Lebanon,” saying Hariri, “a martyr of the nation, was driven by an enlightened vision and unwavering determination to rebuild Lebanon after years of war, destruction and occupation.”

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry said: “We miss him as a statesman and a defender of unity and moderation. On the anniversary of his martyrdom, we are called to uphold these principles to preserve Lebanon, to which he devoted himself.”

Saad Hariri holds meetings after arriving Thursday

After arriving in Beirut on Thursday, Saad Hariri, also a former prime minister who has lived abroad for years since stepping away from politics, held meetings at the Center House. Among those he received were U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa, French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov, and U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

Supporters rode through parts of Beirut and Tripoli on motorcycles and in cars.

Welcome to our live coverage of the 21st anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. He was killed on Feb. 14, 2005, in a massive car bombing in downtown Beirut that also killed 21 others and wounded 226.