Joseph Aoun has been elected as the 14th President of Lebanon after a prolonged two-year vacancy, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s turbulent political landscape. The 61-year-old military commander, known for his reformist stance, assumes office for a six-year term. As the former head of the Lebanese Army since 2017, Aoun gained prominence through his leadership in the "Dawn of the Outskirts" operation, which targeted ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra militants along the Syrian border.
Aoun secured 71 votes in the initial parliamentary session and 99 in the subsequent one, though his path to the presidency was far from smooth. The withdrawal of his primary rival, Suleiman Frangieh, backed by Hezbollah and Amal, played a critical role in breaking Lebanon’s 26-month political deadlock. This resolution was bolstered by Aoun’s consensus-based candidacy, which received backing from both domestic factions and international actors. Western and Arab nations welcomed his election, with calls for Lebanon to urgently focus on recovery and stability. French authorities and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the moment as an opportunity to rebuild hope and initiate long-awaited reforms.
Joseph Aoun faces immediate challenges, including the looming January 26 deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. These resolutions address ceasefires in southern Lebanon and call for the withdrawal of foreign forces and disbanding of armed factions. Aoun must also navigate the country’s entrenched political divisions and establish effective governance to stabilize Lebanon.
The economic situation compounds the challenges. Lebanon has endured record inflation of 221.3% in 2023, with nearly 80% of its population living below the poverty line. The Lebanese pound has lost 95% of its value, and the country faces a $14 billion trade deficit. Meanwhile, foreign-currency debt remains at $84 billion following a default five years ago. The recent conflict with Israel added an estimated $8 billion in damages, alongside the displacement of 1.4 million Lebanese and reconstruction costs of $30 billion. These staggering figures underscore the uphill battle for Aoun’s administration.
Lebanon’s future also hinges on its role in the Eastern Mediterranean amid regional shifts. Political dynamics in Palestine and Syria, coupled with competition over natural gas resources and electricity interconnection projects, present both opportunities and challenges. Regional powers are vying for economic partnerships and energy dominance, with Lebanon positioned as a potential player in this competitive landscape.
Aoun’s presidency symbolizes a potential turning point for Lebanon, but the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty. The success of his administration will depend on its ability to unite Lebanon’s divided factions, restore public trust, and address the interconnected crises facing the nation.
Translated by Hassanain Tayea
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