The Lebanese parliament convened on Thursday, January 9, 2025, to elect a new president of the republic after a two-year vacuum. House Speaker Nabih Berri chaired the first vote session in which the main candidate, Army Commander Jospeh Aoun, secured only 71 out of 128 votes.
The morning session was adjourned by Speaker Berri, who called for another session after two hours. In the meantime, Head of the Loyalty to Resistance bloc, Mohammad Raad, and the House Speaker advisor, MP Ali Hasan Khalil, held an important meeting with General Aoun to agree on the main features of the upcoming political term.
In this regard, MP Raad stated that delaying the vote was aimed at proving that Hezbollah and Amal Movement protect the national accord, hailing the sacrifices of the martyred Resistance fighters which enabled the parliament to convene and elect a new president.
Accordingly, the members of Hezbollah and Amal Movement parliamentary blocs granted their votes to the Army Chief, raising his electoral figures from 71 to 99 in the second session.
After Speaker Berri announced Joseph Aoun as the 14th president of the Republic, the latter attended the parliament in order to take the constitutional oath and deliver the election speech.
In his inaugural speech, President Aoun, expressed profound gratitude for the honor of being elected, calling it “the greatest medal” he could receive from the Lebanese parliament.
Reflecting on Lebanon’s enduring history, Aoun emphasized the nation’s resilience and unity.
“Lebanon is as old as history itself. Our strength lies in our courage and our ability to adapt. No matter our differences, in times of crisis, we embrace one another. If one of us falls, we all fall,” the newly elected President said.
Aoun further acknowledged the need for change in Lebanon’s political system.
“We must change the political performance in Lebanon. My mandate begins today, and I pledge to serve all Lebanese, wherever they are, as the first servant of the country, upholding the national pact and practicing the full powers of the presidency as an impartial mediator between institutions.”
President Aoun went on to underscore the importance of legal and judicial reform.
“If we want to build a nation, we must all be under the rule of law and the judiciary,” he said.
“Interference in the judiciary is forbidden, and there will be no immunity for criminals or corrupt individuals. There is no place for mafias, drug trafficking, or money laundering in Lebanon,” the President concluded.
General Aoun underlined that, during his tenure, the armed forces will prevent the Israeli attacks on Lebanon, adding that he would discuss a defense strategy capable of removing the Zionist occupation.
President Aoun affirmed that he would lead the construction of all what was destroyed in South Lebanon, Bekaa, and Dahiyeh by the Israeli war.
President Aoun was felicitated by Speaker Berri and the rest of the member of the parliament in addition to the caretaker premier and ministers before he moved to Baabda Palace to assume his responsibilities.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
