With just two weeks away from the 20th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, preparations are gaining momentum for the anticipated return of his son, ex-PM Saad Hariri, to Beirut.
Ahmad Hariri, Secretary General of the Future Movement, has been actively laying the groundwork for his leader’s political re-emergence, stepping up visits to the party’s popular bases across Lebanon. The Future Movement had suspended all political activities in January 2022, following Saad Hariri’s decision to withdraw from Lebanese politics.
However, signs now point to a major comeback, driven by looming electoral deadlines, the municipal elections of May 2025 and the parliamentary elections of 2026, as well as the changing regional landscape.
During a visit to Ersal on Saturday, Ahmad Hariri declared that “Bashar is gone, we’re coming back,” congratulating the Syrian people on Ahmad al-Sharaa’s accession to power. His remarks underscore the Future Movement’s shifting strategy, particularly in light of the fall of the Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the weakening of Hezbollah.
In the Shouf area, which he visited as well, Hariri further asserted, “with Saad Hariri, we will return to political life with strength.”
He also linked justice for Rafic Hariri’s assassination to these regional developments, referencing the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s ruling that Hezbollah members were responsible for the assassination, allegedly ordered by Syria under Assad.
Ahmad Hariri emphasized the importance of Hezbollah surrendering its weapons to the state, calling for the implementation of constitutional reforms to rebuild Lebanon’s institutions. He also welcomed the election of President Joseph Aoun, stating that it marks the beginning of a new political era for the country.
In addition, Hariri called for the formation of a new government capable of addressing Lebanon’s economic crisis and ensuring the smooth organization of upcoming elections.
On Sunday, during a visit to the central Bekaa region, Ahmad Hariri hinted at the key themes of Saad Hariri’s anticipated speech on February 14, which will outline his vision for Lebanon and the region.
According to Ahmad Hariri, the Future Movement remains committed to moderation, balance, and national unity, with Saad Hariri’s political stance firmly rooted in the protection of citizens, civil peace, and Lebanon’s Arab identity.
“We will do our utmost to realize Rafic Hariri’s national project, which embodies trust, national and Arab values, and the spirit of moderation,” he added.
Turning to a particularly sensitive issue, Ahmad Hariri called on President Joseph Aoun to seriously address the fate of Islamist detainees of Majdel Anjar, Saadnayel, Ersal, and other Lebanese regions. He also called for a reassessment of the role of Lebanon’s military tribunal, stressing that the issue remains “one of incomplete justice.”
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