Frangieh withdraws from Lebanon's presidential race, endorses Aoun

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Jan 2025 19:44

The leader of the Lebanese Marada Movement says his step comes in light of the conditions now enabling the election of a president and given the current developments.

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In this September 9, 2015, photo, lawmaker Sleiman Frangieh prepares to enter the parliament building for the National Dialogue meeting between Lebanese political leaders, in downtown Beirut. (AP)

Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Lebanese Marada Movement, announced Wednesday his withdrawal from the presidential race and his endorsement of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.

In a post on X, Frangieh declared his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the presidency, stating that his candidacy "was never an obstacle to the election process."

He added that this step comes in light of the conditions now enabling the election of a president on Thursday given the current developments.

صدر عن رئيس تيار المرده سليمان فرنجيه البيان التالي:

“أمّا وقد توفّرت ظروف انتخاب رئيس للجمهورية يوم غد، وإزاء ما آلت إليه الأمور، فإنني أعلن عن سحب ترشيحي الذي لم يكن يوماً هو العائق أمام عملية الانتخاب.

وإذ أشكر كلّ من اقترع لي، فإنني - وانسجاماً مع ما كنت قد أعلنته في مواقف…
— Sleiman Frangieh (@sleimanfrangieh) January 8, 2025

Expressing gratitude to those who supported him, Frangieh announced his endorsement of Aoun, describing him as a candidate "who possesses the qualities necessary to uphold the stature of the presidency."

He added that this decision aligns with his previously stated positions.

Frangieh also wished the Parliament success in the electoral process and expressed hope for the nation to "overcome this phase with unity, awareness, and responsibility."

It is noteworthy that the Lebanese Parliament is scheduled to convene tomorrow, Thursday, to elect a new president. General Aoun is currently seen as the frontrunner amid ongoing political divisions. This election comes after more than two years of a vacant presidency.

French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian was in Lebanon on Wednesday to encourage all sides to elect a president.

A French diplomatic source said that Le Drian had met with Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc leader, MP Mohammad Raad, as well as other political blocs, insisting "on the urgency of electing a president of the republic, the first step into turning around Lebanese institutions."

Visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein on Monday also urged the ruling class to take advantage of the ceasefire between "Israel" and Lebanon and reach a "political consensus".

Local media reported that Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Zeid bin Farhan was in Lebanon on Wednesday after a previous trip last week.

The Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper said Saudi Arabia was in touch with France, the US, and Egypt, and "trying to convince hesitating blocs to back Aoun."

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Wednesday he was optimistic.

"For the first time since the presidency became vacant, I am pleased that God willing tomorrow we will have a president," he said.

Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri has invited Le Drian to attend Thursday's vote.