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MPs and former members of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) – Alain Aoun, Simon Abi Ramia, Elias Bou Saab and Ibrahim Kanaan – were at the Patriarchate’s summer residence in Dimane on Thursday for a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.
Following the meeting, MP Alain Aoun delved into its intricacies in a conversation with This is Beirut.
What message did you convey to the patriarch, beyond your mutual aim to “create a national Christian momentum?”
“Discussions with the patriarch centered on future prospects and the necessity to navigate through the current political gridlock,” according to Aoun. The reference pointedly alludes to the enduring presidential vacuum since October 31, 2022, despite sustained international endeavors led by the Quintet (comprising the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt) to break this deadlock.
For his part, the Maronite patriarch welcomed “the intentions and ideas we are presenting and encouraged us in our initiative to engage with other parties,” adds Aoun.
How does the “unifying” role you mentioned play out in practice, as Kanaan pointed out after your visit? What is the significance of your desire to “reach out to everyone” in this context?
“Reaching out to everyone is central to our political strategy, which aims to be a moderate center capable of engaging with all parties, beyond the current radical polarization,” explains the MP.
However, he points out that this does not imply an absence of clear positions on political issues. “On the contrary, we will have firm stances on all matters,” he assures.
Despite his great popularity, former FPM MP Chamel Roukoz was unable to make a breakthrough. How do you plan to distinguish yourself?
Aoun answers this question by distancing himself from electoral politics. “We’re not in an electoral frame of mind at the moment. If our aim was simply to hold on to seats, we would have given in to the temptation of incitement and intimidation to stay in the party’s comfort zone,” he explains.
He adds that the primary objective “at this stage” for MPs and former members of the FPM is to carry out “a purely political effort aimed at resolving the political impasse.” “Reflection on the next elections will come later,” he adds.
For Aoun, it’s a “call for unity rather than division,” putting the country’s interests first, and the election of a president as a top priority.
