Christian Front declares Nasrallah’s funeral a turning point, calls for federalism in Lebanon

BEIRUT — In a meeting held at its headquarters in Beirut, the Christian Front described the burial of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, as a crucial turning point. The statement claimed that his passing marks the collapse of a longstanding project that has perpetuated violence and discord in Lebanon.

In a statement, the Christian Front strongly opposed any attempts to transform Nasrallah’s gravesite into a religious shrine, condemning efforts to impose a sectarian identity on Beirut at the expense of Lebanon’s diverse communities. It characterized Nasrallah as a cleric who led a political militia under the guise of religious ideology, divorced from any true sanctity.

New Diplomatic Approach

The Christian Front also addressed Maronite President Joseph Aoun’s recent meeting with an Iranian delegation in Beirut. It interpreted the meeting as evidence of Lebanon’s pursuit of balanced international relations without exclusion or favoritism. The statement praised Aoun’s acknowledgment of the heavy price Lebanon has paid for the Palestinian cause and the impact of foreign conflicts on its territory.

Advocacy for Federalism

The Christian Front – which as it motto has “If we are compelled to choose between freedom and coexistence, we will choose freedom – called for Lebanon to transition to a federal governance system, emphasizing the need for a structure that reflects the country’s diverse demographic and political landscape. The group criticized the centralized system, arguing that such models have failed in complex societies worldwide and are unsuitable for Lebanon’s unique composition.

Concluding its statement, the Christian Front expressed optimism about global stability and hope that US President Donald Trump’s leadership could contribute to peace and prosperity in the Middle East. The group views his policies as pivotal in reshaping the region’s future.

Christian Advocacy Platform 

The Christian Front in Lebanon is an advocacy platform and voice for the Christians of Lebanon, of which Syriac Maronites are the largest group. It members are the Universal Syriac Union Party, Guardians of the Cedars Party, al-Mashriq Party, World Maronite Union, Maronite Union Tur Levnon, Lebanese Federal Gathering, Federal Lebanon, Assyrian League, General Maronite Council, and the Al-Majd Movement. The Lebanese Forces Party and Kataeb Party have no official representation in the Christian Front, but have delegates who attend in a personal capacity.

The Christian Front’s Secretary General is Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party.

#الجبهة_المسيحية نهاية مرحلة من #المدينة_الرياضية وبداية مرحلة من #قصر_بعبدا… #الفدرالية #والسلام خلاص #للبنانhttps://t.co/mtA6hYxIE8

— ibrahim Mrad (@IbrahimMradUSUP) February 25, 2025

For the article in Arabic see here