simply amazing, always for you.
Beirut, January 8, 2025 – Lebanon’s Parliament has voted to elect General Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president, ending a prolonged two-year vacancy in the highest office. The election marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape, signaling a shift in power dynamics and a weakening of Hezbollah’s influence.
Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), secured 99 out of 128 votes in the second round of voting, surpassing the two-thirds majority required to clinch the presidency. His victory follows months of political gridlock that left Lebanon without a president since 2022. The deadlock was partly driven by disagreements over candidate selection, with Hezbollah and its allies previously blocking other contenders.
Aoun’s election comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is grappling with severe political, economic, and social crises. His candidacy received private backing from the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia, who quietly lobbied for his election as the only viable consensus candidate. Despite initial resistance, particularly from Hezbollah and its allies, the turning point came when Suleiman Frangieh, the candidate favored by Hezbollah, withdrew from the race on January 7, throwing his support behind Aoun.
The breakthrough was also attributed to Hezbollah’s weakened position following its devastating losses in last year’s war with Israel, as well as a broader regional shift with the fall of its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad. Aoun’s election represents not only the resolution of the presidential impasse but also a potential shift in Lebanon’s foreign alliances and internal political balance.
For Aoun, the victory marks the culmination of years of military service. Having led the Lebanese Army since 2017, Aoun is known for maintaining the military’s neutrality during the country’s internal conflicts, including those involving Hezbollah. His close relationships with Western powers, particularly the U.S. military, have positioned him as a stabilizing force in Lebanon’s fractious political environment.
Aoun’s presidency is expected to restore some degree of stability to Lebanon, with analysts suggesting that it could pave the way for the implementation of key reforms and the stabilization of the country’s fragile economy. The new president has already pledged to tackle corruption, a central issue in the Lebanese government’s erosion of public trust. He has also signaled a commitment to judicial independence, a cornerstone of his platform.
The election of Aoun also carries significant geopolitical implications, as it signals the declining influence of Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militia backed by Iran. Hezbollah’s political and military clout has long been a source of tension in Lebanon, where sectarian divisions have often paralyzed government functions. The fact that Hezbollah and its allies ultimately voted for Aoun reflects the diminished sway of the group, whose strategy and regional ambitions have been increasingly undermined by its military failures in the war with Israel and the broader regional instability.
International actors, including the U.S., France, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced strong support for Aoun, with the hope that his election will lead to greater regional stability and the reinforcement of Lebanon’s sovereignty. The West is also keen to support Lebanon’s military, which has been deployed to southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel.
Despite the optimism surrounding his election, Aoun faces considerable challenges in his new role. Lebanon’s deep-rooted economic crisis, exacerbated by years of political paralysis, demands urgent reforms. The country remains mired in a financial meltdown, with inflation skyrocketing and the Lebanese pound losing much of its value against the dollar. Public services are in disarray, and unemployment is at historic highs.
Nevertheless, Aoun’s ascent to the presidency is seen by many as a positive step forward for Lebanon. His support from both local and international players underscores his potential to lead the country through its turbulent period, despite the overwhelming challenges that lie ahead.
As Lebanon begins this new chapter under General Joseph Aoun’s leadership, the hope is that this election will restore governance, rebuild trust in public institutions, and bring the country back from the brink of collapse.