Lebanese Parliament Elects Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lebanon’s parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president, ending a two-year presidential vacancy. Aoun’s election follows Hezbollah’s endorsement, international pressure, and a ceasefire with Israel. The new president has pledged reforms, reconstruction, and strengthening state authority amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crises.
Lebanon Elects Joseph Aoun: Quick Looks
- Historic Election: Army chief Joseph Aoun becomes Lebanon’s fifth former military commander to ascend to the presidency.
- Political Deadlock Ends: Aoun’s election ends a two-year vacancy in the presidency.
- Key Challenges: Reconstruction after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and addressing Lebanon’s severe economic crisis.
- Global Backing: Aoun has the support of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and European nations.
- Reform Agenda: Pledges to combat corruption, reform the judiciary, and bolster state authority.
Lebanese Parliament Elects Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President
Deep Look
Joseph Aoun Elected as Lebanon’s New President
Lebanon’s two-year presidential impasse concluded on Thursday as the nation’s parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as head of state. The decision follows 13 rounds of voting and significant political maneuvering, including Hezbollah’s withdrawal of support for rival candidate Suleiman Frangieh.
Aoun’s presidency comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is recovering from a devastating 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah while enduring a prolonged economic collapse.
A Vote to Break the Stalemate
In the first round of voting, Aoun secured 71 votes, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. A second round saw him clinch victory with 99 votes. As he took the oath of office in downtown Beirut, celebratory fireworks erupted across the country, particularly in his hometown of Aichiye in southern Lebanon, where residents waved flags and shared sweets to mark the occasion.
Aoun’s election represents a rare consensus among Lebanon’s fractious political blocs. Backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and European powers, Aoun is seen as a figure who can stabilize the country and secure much-needed international aid.
Reform and Rebuilding: Aoun’s Promises
In his inaugural speech, Aoun emphasized the importance of judicial reforms and combating corruption. He pledged to restore state authority by consolidating control over arms, an indirect reference to Hezbollah, which maintains a significant arsenal independent of the Lebanese military.
He also addressed the need for reconstruction in southern Lebanon and other areas devastated during the conflict with Israel, as well as managing border security and developing a strategic defense policy to counter future threats.
A Presidency Rooted in Crisis
Aoun’s leadership will face immense challenges. Lebanon’s economic crisis has left its currency severely devalued, banks insolvent, and infrastructure in disrepair. Citizens endure daily hardships, including limited electricity and scarce public services.
Lebanon’s leaders previously reached a preliminary bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but political inertia has delayed the implementation of critical reforms required to unlock the deal.
The Path to Presidency
Aoun, who has served as army commander since 2017, is no stranger to navigating Lebanon’s complex political landscape. His leadership during the recent Israel-Hezbollah war earned him respect across sectarian and political lines. Despite his military background, Aoun has carefully balanced relations with Hezbollah, maintaining cooperation without yielding to the group’s influence.
Critics, however, question his lack of economic expertise, suggesting he will need to rely heavily on advisors to address Lebanon’s financial crisis.
Hezbollah’s Role and Shifting Alliances
Hezbollah’s decision to support Aoun marks a significant shift, reflecting its weakened political and military standing after the war with Israel and the collapse of its ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This alignment with Aoun signals a pragmatic choice to secure a stable leadership amid growing international pressure.
Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that Aoun’s broad international backing provides him with a unique opportunity to enact change. However, she emphasized that Lebanon’s deeply entrenched sectarian divides will remain a significant obstacle.
Looking Ahead
Aoun’s presidency carries both hope and uncertainty. His ability to lead Lebanon through reconstruction, address corruption, and secure international aid will determine whether he can stabilize a nation long plagued by political deadlock and economic hardship. For now, his election represents a moment of unity and a chance for Lebanon to begin rebuilding after years of turmoil.
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