After more than 2 years of presidential deadlock following the end of former President Michel Aouns term, the Lebanese Parliament chose Army Commander Joseph Aoun as the 14th President of the Lebanese Republic.Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Army, now holds the presidency, following the regards to his predecessors: Emile Lahoud, Michel Suleiman, and Michel Aoun.This followed the Lebanese parliamentarians vote on Thursday, where they failed to secure the required two-thirds bulk (86 votes) in the first round of ballot earlier in the day, which is required for a prospect to win.In the 2nd round, they effectively elected the president following a two-hour break, during which Aoun apparently met with the heads of the Loyalty to the Resistance and Development and Liberation blocs for more than an hour.After 71 deputies chose the army leader in the preliminary, he won in the second round, with 99 taped votes.It deserves keeping in mind that all 128 Lebanese agents participated in the governmental election, with ambassadors from several countries in participation, including those of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Egypt, and China.Pledge to restore trust in LebanonLebanons freshly chosen President Joseph Aoun has vowed to introduce a new chapter in the nations history, highlighting unity, justice, and institutional reform as crucial pillars of his presidency.
Talking to the nation following his election, Aoun delivered a series of declarations outlining his vision for Lebanons future.
We are a brave people, resistant in the face of difficulty.
No matter our distinctions, in times of hardship, we come together, Aoun stated.
If one of us falls, we all fall.
The president-elect promised to work with undeviating commitment to reconstruct trust in the Lebanese state.
Today marks the beginning of a brand-new stage in Lebanons history.
My promise is to serve the state of Lebanon with integrity, he affirmed.Aoun worried the requirement for impartiality and accountability in governance, vowing, There will be no immunity for lawbreakers, corrupt people, or criminals.
Justice will be the supreme arbiter.
He even more dedicated to supporting the constitution, stating, I promise to challenge the constitutionality of any law that violates the charter and to appreciate the separation of powers.
The president-elect likewise described strategies to reorganize public administration and implement rotation in senior positions across organizations.
My promise is to reform public administration and to embrace a rotation policy for executive positions, he said.Aoun underscored the importance of reinforcing Lebanons sovereignty and security.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I promise to support the states special right to bear arms, he stated.
He likewise required buying the Lebanese Army to combat terrorism and prevent Israeli aggressiveness.
We need to invest in our military to secure our borders and secure against external threats.
Reiterating his dedication to Lebanons self-reliance, Aoun declared, We will not compromise on Lebanons sovereignty or self-reliance.
Our unity is our shield versus hardship.
He urged reliance on internal strength instead of foreign powers, saying, The time has actually concerned commit our focus entirely on Lebanon, not on external forces to acquire benefits over one another.
Aoun likewise promoted for practical discussion with neighboring Syria to deal with shared issues.
We have an opportunity for meaningful and respectful discussion with Syria to deal with mutual concerns, he stated.
He emphasized an openness to well balanced relations with both the East and West, based on shared respect.Aoun promised to focus on social security networks and protect liberties.
I will work to enhance social safety nets and to regard liberty of journalism and expression within constitutional frameworks, he stated.He concluded with a sense of urgency and determination, declaring, There is no time to waste.
My commitment is to safeguard the general public interest and the rights of all Lebanese.
Who is the 14th President of the Lebanese Republic?Joseph Aoun has actually functioned as the Commander of the Lebanese Army given that March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji.
His military career began in 1983, marking the start of his long service in the army.He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2013 and continued to increase through the ranks, achieving the rank of General in 2017.
That very same year, he was selected Commander of the Army, leading throughout one of the most sensitive durations in Lebanons history.Lebanon dealt with significant security and political challenges throughout this duration, consisting of the notable Dawn of the Outskirts fight in 2017.
In this operation, the Lebanese Army, in cooperation with Resistance forces, battled against terrorist companies on the outskirts of the towns of Arsal and al-Qaa, located on the Syrian border.The nation likewise faced substantial security obstacles following the outbreak of protests on October 17, 2019, and the prolonged Israeli war on Lebanon in 2024, which lasted over 60 days.
These events placed brand-new duties on the Lebanese Army, particularly with the signing of the ceasefire contract.(Source: Al Mayadeen)