Christian Front welcomes Lebanon’s new leadership, advocates for decentralization

BEIRUT — The Christian Front in Lebanon expressed support for President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of adopting decentralization in both financial and political spheres.

After a prolonged presidential vacancy of over two years, Lebanon’s parliament successfully elected General Joseph Aoun as president and appointed Nawaf Salam as prime minister. This development has been widely welcomed by Lebanese citizens, the Arab world, and the international community.

Following its routine meeting, the Christian Front issued a statement lauding the election of Aoun and Salam. While noting some reservations about the president’s inaugural speech, the Front expressed optimism that it could serve as a roadmap for the new administration and the forthcoming government.

Call for Competent Leadership

The statement emphasized the urgent need to move away from the pitfalls of patronage and political bargaining. It urged the new administration to appoint competent, patriotic individuals with integrity to lead the nation toward recovery and progress.

The Christian Front called on the new administration to prioritize the implementation of international resolutions relevant to Lebanon, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559. It also stressed the importance of adhering to the 1949 armistice agreement with Israel.

Advocacy for Decentralization

The Front highlighted the pressing need for a strategic shift toward decentralization, arguing that the centralized system has undermined civil peace and public order since the establishment of Greater Lebanon in 1920 and the drafting of its first constitution in 1926.

According to the statement, these systemic flaws have repeatedly demonstrated the inefficiency and failure of centralization. The Christian Front welcomed President Aoun’s commitment to implementing expanded administrative decentralization and urged him to extend this vision to financial and political decentralization.
The Front concluded its statement by expressing hope that the new leadership would rise to the challenges facing Lebanon, steering the nation toward stability, justice, and prosperity.