Head of Kataeb Party Samy Gemayel: We will prevent Hezbollah’s nominee from becoming Lebanon’s president

BEIRUT — Lebanese political parties, including the Kataeb Party, have rejected the nomination of the Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh for the country’s presidency by Secretary-General of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.

According to Samy Gemayel, head of the Kataeb Party, “The arrival of a Hezbollah candidate to Lebanon’s presidency would mean Lebanon’s continued isolation.” He added that his party would not secure a quorum for a Parliament session that would lead to electing a president affiliated with Hezbollah.

Gemayel emphasized that Lebanon needs a president who is not biased towards one part or another but who can help rescue the country from its current state of collapse. Schools are closed, institutions lack electricity, and the dollar exchange rate has reached approximately 90,000 liras, he said.

Gemayel also criticized Franjieh’s candidacy, stating that his affiliation with Hezbollah contradicts his talk about implementing UN Security Council Resolution No. 1559, which calls for the disarmament of militias, including Hezbollah. He concluded that the previous experience with a biased president must not be repeated.

The opposition has played its democratic role in the presidential elections and Hezbollah should have announced its candidate for discussion in open session, said Gemayel.

“No one has the right to impose their own policy on Lebanon,” Gemayel stated, emphasizing that the constitution must not be undermined through delaying the election, which was supposed to take place five months ago. He urged for a presidential candidate who can bring Lebanon out of its current crisis and rebuild state institutions.