BEIRUT. Lebanon’s parliament has elected army chief Joseph Aoun as the country’s president, filling a long-vacant position and highlighting the diminished influence of Hezbollah following its setbacks in last year’s war with Israel.
Aoun, 60, a general with strong U.S. backing, secured the presidency during Thursday’s parliamentary session. In his acceptance speech, Aoun vowed to uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty by ensuring that “the state has the exclusive right to carry arms,” a remark that earned a standing ovation from many lawmakers while Hezbollah representatives sat in silence.
“Today, a new phase in the history of Lebanon begins,” Aoun declared. He pledged to rebuild southern Lebanon and other regions devastated by Israeli strikes while promising to prevent future Israeli aggression. His presidency, he emphasized, marks a turning point for a nation grappling with severe economic and political crises.
The election underscores a significant power shift in Lebanon and the Middle East. Hezbollah, a Shi’ite group backed by Iran, has faced mounting challenges, including its weakened standing after the 2023 war with Israel and the ousting of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
This development also signals a resurgence of Saudi Arabia’s influence in Lebanon, which had long been overshadowed by Iranian dominance. Following Aoun’s election, Saudi leaders, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extended their congratulations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed hopes for regional stability, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “I hope this election will contribute to stability and good neighborly relations.”
The presidency, traditionally reserved for a Maronite Christian in Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, had remained vacant since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. Joseph Aoun clinched the position with 99 votes in a second-round ballot, surpassing the required 86-vote threshold, after Hezbollah and its Shi’ite ally, the Amal Movement, ultimately backed him.
Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad explained the delay in endorsing Aoun, saying, “We are the guardians of national consensus.”
Aoun’s candidacy gained momentum when Hezbollah’s preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew his bid and endorsed the general. This shift followed intense lobbying by French, Saudi, and U.S. envoys, who emphasized that international financial aid was contingent on resolving Lebanon’s leadership crisis.
“There is a very clear message from the international community that they are ready to support Lebanon, but that needs a president and a government,” said Christian lawmaker Michel Mouawad, who voted for Aoun.
The French government hailed Aoun’s election as a critical step towards restoring Lebanon’s governance. “This election must now be followed by the appointment of a strong government capable of carrying out the reforms necessary for Lebanon’s economic recovery, stability, security, and sovereignty,” French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine stated.
Lebanon’s economic challenges remain severe, with the World Bank estimating $8.5 billion in damages from the recent conflict. Much of the destruction is in Shi’ite-majority areas where Hezbollah maintains significant support.
Joseph Aoun has already played a pivotal role in securing a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by Washington and Paris in November. The agreement included provisions for the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon as both Israeli and Hezbollah forces withdrew.
While some critics accused foreign powers of manipulating the election, Christian lawmaker Melhem Riachi described the outcome as a new chapter for Lebanon. “This is the era of Lebanon’s harmony with the international community,” he said.
With Lebanon’s presidency now filled, Aoun must navigate the complex process of forming a government. The road ahead will require careful diplomacy to restore stability and address the country’s mounting economic and political challenges.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
