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3. Le Drian Welcomes Election Date and Hopes for Tangible Outcomes

French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian welcomed Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's decision to set a date for the presidential election session on January 9, 2025.

The announcement came as Le Drian was meeting with the Quintet ambassadors (United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar) at the Pine Residence, shortly before heading to Parliament. Berri invited Le Drian to observe part of the legislative session, during which Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun’s term was extended. Aoun is widely considered a leading candidate for the Lebanese presidency.

Sources privy to Le Drian’s discussions reported that he acknowledged Berri’s move, stating, “You have fulfilled your promise by setting an election date.” However, the French envoy and the Quintet stressed that the January 9 session must be productive and avoid repeating the outcomes of previous sessions, during which foreign and Arab ambassadors were present. Le Drian insisted on reaching a consensus on a candidate with near-unanimous support or, if necessary, ensuring successive voting rounds until a president is elected. He cautioned that a return to quorum-breaking tactics would reflect poorly on Lebanon’s leadership, showing a lack of seriousness in addressing international support efforts. This, he warned, could further isolate Lebanon and lead to additional sanctions.

Ahead of the January 9 session, Le Drian outlined his expectations for the future president’s profile, based on recent developments in Lebanon, the ceasefire agreement, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Sources revealed that Le Drian stressed the importance of electing a president committed to upholding the agreement and acknowledged that all political factions must adapt to the new regional realities and act accordingly.

Le Drian also reiterated France's continued support for Lebanon, emphasizing its role in monitoring the implementation of Resolution 1701, its contribution to the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and its readiness to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). He confirmed France’s commitment to supporting administrative reforms to facilitate the state’s development. Those who met with Le Drian noted that he is preparing for significant French re-engagement in Lebanon, in alignment with the new US administration under President Trump. There is mutual understanding that Lebanon will receive positive cooperation if it fulfills its political and economic commitments. However, failure to meet these commitments will lead both parties to adopt a coordinated negative approach, should Lebanese officials fall into the trap of clever tactics to avoid their obligations.