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More than a year after his departure from the Quai d’Orsay, Jean-Yves Le Drian once again steps into the spotlight as he takes on a challenging assignment: Lebanon. Appointed as President Emmanuel Macron’s “personal envoy” to the troubled “Land of the Cedars,” Le Drian embarks on a critical journey to Beirut on Wednesday, June 21. With his unwavering commitment and extensive experience navigating Lebanon’s long-standing crises, Le Drian assumes a pivotal role in seeking solutions to the persisting political stalemate.
Let’s delve into the profile of this man.
As Le Drian lands in Beirut, he is stepping into a minefield. The much-discussed “French initiative,” which sought to facilitate the election of Lebanon’s President, notably endorsing Sleiman Frangieh, appears to be encountering obstacles. Le Drian’s assignment is to bridge the deep differences dividing Lebanon’s politicians.
Following a crucial meeting in Paris on Friday, June 16, between the French President and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a French-Saudi agreement was apparently reached regarding the Lebanese presidential elections. The newfound understanding has the potential to greatly facilitate Le Drian’s mission. According to sources, Le Drian is set to meet leaders of all major Lebanese political parties, as well as candidates and non-candidates who secured votes during the 12th parliamentary electoral session on June 14. This initial visit will be followed by another one in July, as well as a comprehensive regional tour.
Not Retiring Yet
The Lebanese mission poses yet another challenge for Le Drian who has accumulated over four decades an unparalleled experience within the French political landscape. A parliamentarian, mayor, regional advisor, president of a region, Secretary of State and minister under three different French presidents are among Le Drian’s numerous mandates within the French Republic which are too many to list.
As a minister, Le Drian, a proud Breton with strong ties to his homeland, has confronted and managed crises, wars, terrorism, and the challenges posed by a pandemic.
Despite being 75 years old, Le Drian, a native of Lorient, shows no sign of retiring anytime soon. His appointment as Macron’s “personal envoy”, more than a year after stepping down from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to “facilitate” a “consensual and effective” resolution to the country’s severe political deadlock, as emphasized by the Élysée Palace.
The Lebanese dossier is by no means a simple one. It rather seems like an impossible mission. However, Le Drian, hailed for his solid experience in crisis management, has willingly accepted the challenge.
“Failing to Help a Country in Peril”
In Lebanon, Le Drian will be stepping into familiar ground. The country holds no mysteries for him, as he has visited it many times over the years. His initial visit took place in 2012 during his tenure as Minister of Defense under the François Hollande’s presidency.
During Macron’s mandate, Le Drian took up the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. A special attention was given to Lebanon, which has been engulfed in an unparalleled economic, social, and political crisis since 2019, along with an unprecedented anti-government protest movement. Le Drian was then assigned by Macron to convey strong messages to the Lebanese authorities, in hopes of achieving the nation’s recovery.
He fearlessly voices his concerns to raise awareness about the pressing situation in the “Land of the Cedars.” During a press conference in Beirut on July 23, 2020, he passionately called upon Lebanese leaders to swiftly implement necessary reforms in order to unlock international aid. “Help us to help you,” he declared.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion that tore through the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government, the former French Foreign Minister urged Lebanese leaders to establish a functioning government promptly, and undertake vital reforms. “This country is on the edge of the abyss… We will not offer a blank check… The risk we face today is the annihilation of Lebanon,” he emphatically asserted during an interview with RTL.
In March 2021, during a press conference held seven months after President Macron’s visits to Beirut, Le Drian expressed a mix of sadness, anger, and concern over the worsening situation in the country. He shared his sentiments on Twitter, stating: ” We cannot substitute ourselves for the Lebanese political forces whom, for the moment, bear the responsibility of failing to help a country in peril. There is still time to act, but tomorrow will be too late”.
“A Genuine Desire to Help the Lebanese People”
But beyond his official ministerial duties, those who are familiar with Le Drian describe a man who holds a deep attachment to Lebanon. Noha Baz, a Lebanese pediatrician and author of “Goûts du Liban” (Mango Editions, 2021), is one of those. She describes him as a person who “has deep respect for humanity and possesses a genuine desire to assist the Lebanese people.” In a heartfelt account shared with This is Beirut, she recalls accompanying Le Drian and his wife Maria on a private journey of exploration in southern Lebanon in 2017, where they visited the cities of Tyre and Saida.
“We walked in the footsteps of the Crusaders. They were enthralled by the beauty of the land and its sites, while showing deep empathy to the people of Saida and Tyre. They displayed a keen interest in their daily lives, hopes, and needs,” Baz recounts.
During this visit, Le Drian “sought to meet the Lebanese people and immerse himself in their daily lives, not just the glimmer, upscale venues, or nightclubs.” In the bustling souk of Sidon, “he took the time to engage with each artisan, from the maker of traditional Turkish delight, Lokum, to the pastry chef…”
Baz portrays Le Drian as someone who listens and genuinely cares about the needs of the Lebanese people. “He is a man of integrity, dedicated to turning words into action and prioritizing the well-being of individuals above all else.” She also shares a touching story that happened shortly after the August 4th explosion, “Jean-Yves Le Drian and his wife were among the first people who reached out to me, expressing genuine concern for my well-being.”
