Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, has expressed his concerns about the ongoing political crisis in the country. In a religious celebration in central Beirut, he criticized the absence of a president and the obstruction of the presidential election, calling it suspicious and unacceptable.
Lebanon has been without a president for over a year and three months, leading to severe political division within parliament. The main obstacle to electing a president is the disagreement between Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, and Christian parties in Lebanon. Hezbollah and Amal insist on nominating Sleiman Frangieh, a candidate close to the Syrian president, while Christian parties oppose this nomination.
The presidential vacuum has also affected other positions designated for the Maronite sect, such as the governor of the central bank and the army commander. Both positions require the presence of a president to fill the vacuum. As a result, Lebanon is currently being run by a caretaker government that is unable to make decisions.
Parliament, which should be responsible for electing the president, has deviated from its constitutional duty and has started practicing legislation under the slogan of “legislation of necessity.” This has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic processes in the country.
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has initiated a war under the pretext of “supporting the resistance in the Gaza Strip.” The war has been ongoing for four months and has resulted in the death of more than 200 fighters from Hezbollah and allied parties, as well as civilians. It has also caused massive destruction in border villages.
Al-Rahi emphasized the importance of preserving the role of Maronites in Lebanon’s state and criticized attempts to exclude them. He questioned whether Lebanon’s system has become tyrannical and violated the constitution by not electing a president.
In addition to the political crisis, tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated. The Israeli army has violated rules of engagement by targeting areas north of the Litani River. Hezbollah has responded with attacks on Israeli targets, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Amidst these challenges, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Beirut to hold talks with Lebanese officials. This visit highlights the regional implications of the crisis in Lebanon and the involvement of external actors in the country’s affairs.
The ongoing political crisis in Lebanon poses significant challenges to the stability and functioning of the state. The absence of a president and the obstruction of the presidential election undermine democratic processes and hinder decision-making. The war initiated by Hezbollah further exacerbates tensions and leads to loss of life and destruction.
It is crucial for Lebanese political leaders to prioritize national interests over partisan interests and work towards finding a solution to the political crisis. The election of a president and the formation of a functioning government are essential steps towards restoring stability and addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
Lebanon’s unique system, which includes power-sharing among different religious sects, requires all parties to engage in dialogue and compromise. Only through inclusive and transparent processes can Lebanon overcome its current challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.