Local and international political leaders have warmly welcomed the election of Lebanon’s new president, ending a two-year vacancy in the country’s highest office.
On Thursday, General Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Army's Commander-in-Chief, triumphed in the second round of voting, garnering 99 votes in a parliamentary session attended by all 128 MPs.
Former President Amine Gemayel described the election of the new president as an “exceptional opportunity that reflects the aspirations of the Lebanese people and will be pivotal in advancing and saving the country.” He noted that the president’s speech confirmed “his resolve to tackle challenges and build a sovereign, unified state,” and “signaled a promising future for Lebanon.”
Caretaker Minister of Information Ziad Makary also commented on the speech, noting that it outlines “a clear vision for addressing the economic, security and health crises deeply affecting the country.”
In an appearance on the Egyptian channel Cairo News, he highlighted the numerous qualities of General Aoun, noting that he “has maintained a neutral stance, distancing himself from all parties” and is “well-positioned to tackle the major challenges facing the country.”
Caretaker Industry Minister Georges Bouchikian described General Aoun’s election as a “project in itself, paving the way for the nation’s reconstruction.” He commended Aoun's “unwavering commitment to sacrificing for the country's welfare and the strength of its Army,” and emphasized, “His speech presents a clear roadmap to recovery and the restoration of Lebanon’s global standing.”
Kataeb MP Nadim Gemayel welcomed the “new chapter being open in Lebanon” and commended President Aoun’s investiture speech. He remarked that “the speech avoided referring to Syria as a ‘brotherly nation’ and excluded mentions of the resistance’s weapons, the ‘army, people, resistance’ formula, and other expressions long associated with Syria’s and Iran’s dominance over Lebanon.”
In an interview with al-Hadath, Gemayel emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “It is time for all of us to contribute to the nation’s advancement and join a government that will reconnect Lebanon with the Arab world and the West, paving the way for economic growth.”
He also stressed the urgency of “implementing new legislation across vital sectors, including electricity, banking, public administration and finance.” Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of security, especially ensuring Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon’s occupied territories after the 60-day ceasefire expires.
Former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa described the election of a new president in Lebanon as “a first step toward a revitalized Lebanon.” In an interview with the daily An-Nahar, he congratulated the Lebanese people and expressed confidence in the vision articulated by the newly elected president.
Moussa highlighted the president’s commitment to “ending Israeli occupation in Lebanon” and to “Lebanon’s adherence to the principle of constructive neutrality.”
Global Leaders Extend Their Greetings to Aoun
The new Lebanese head of state received several phone calls from his counterparts in various countries. French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi all congratulated him. In their messages, they reiterated their unwavering support for Lebanon at all levels.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her strong support on Friday for Lebanon’s newly elected President. “I am confident that President Joseph Aoun will prove to be a trustworthy and authoritative leader for Lebanon, a nation deeply connected to Italy through historic and enduring ties,” she affirmed in an official statement.
Furthermore, the European Union congratulated General Joseph Aoun on his election as President of the Lebanese Republic. In a message conveyed on behalf of Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU described the election as “a significant milestone, marking a moment of hope and renewal for the Lebanese people.”
The statement also praised Lebanese MPs for “demonstrating responsibility and achieving broad consensus.” It emphasized that “national unity is essential to ensure the inclusion of all citizens and societal groups, allowing Lebanon to overcome the aftermath of recent conflicts, advance reconstruction efforts, and embark on a path toward political stability, as well as social and economic recovery.”
In this context, the European Union reiterated its unwavering support for the Lebanese people. “We eagerly anticipate the swift formation of a fully empowered government capable of implementing a forward-looking reform agenda. This crucial step will pave the way for renewed international support and a comprehensive revival of the EU-Lebanon partnership,” concluded the statement.
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