Lebanon lost Mohammed Youssef Beydoun, one of the country’s greatest parliamentary figures, on Wednesday morning, December 20. He passed away at the age of 92.
Elected MP numerous times and member of several governments, Mohammed Youssef Beydoun has led a very active political and parliamentary life, without neglecting his educational and social activities within the framework of the Al-Amelieh Muslim Charitable Association.
He was elected president of the association in 1973 and has been its honorary president of late. For many years, he played a key role in various educational, economic and social associations, including the Muslim Scouts Association, the Lebanese Red Cross and the Beirut Merchants Association, for which he served as advisor for over 25 years.
Politically close to former Prime Minister Selim Hoss, he was known for his moderation, integrity and attachment to moral and humanist values. He was first elected deputy for the Shiite seat of Beirut in 1972, and re-elected in 1992 and 1996. He was appointed Minister of Industry and Oil in October 1980 in the government of Chafic Wazzan, Minister of Hydraulic and Electrical Resources in December 1990 in the government of Omar Karameh, Minister of National Education, Culture and Higher Education in the government of Selim Hoss in December 1998.
Mohammed Youssef Beydoun was educated at the Lycée Français de Beyrouth and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Law from Saint-Joseph university.