Hizb allah announced that it will be back Maronite Christian politician Suleiman Franjieh, who He previously served as a cabinet minister to become the state next president.
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said on Monday that he met with Gebran Bassil the leader of Free Patriotic Movement.
I told Bassil that Hezbollah sees him and Suleiman Franjieh as candidates for Nasrallah said in letter.
Basil did not apply to run for the post To replace former Mr. President Michel Aoun, who left the office in October 2022 after a six-year term.
“The natural candidate that we are back in Presidential elections and her specifications that we take into account minister Nasrallah said, “Suleiman Franjieh.”
The leader of Hezbollah said that he started a dialogue with allies back Franjieh for Presidency.
Franjieh, 57 years old, served in Several ministerial positions, including health and housing.
Although Hezbollah supportFranjieh still needs support of other blocks – support maybe prove hard Obtain.
Franjieh, a Maronite Christian, is not supported of The largest Christian masses in parliament And many more in supported by the West coalition oppose it because of his alliance with Hezbollah and its intimate personal friendship with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Franjieh, 57, and Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, are leading the candidates for president. It is believed that Hezbollah opposes the army chief’s bid for President because he enjoys the support of the United States
Lebanon is deeply divided parliament he have failed To elect a president during the 11 sessions held since term of Mr. President Michel Aoun, also Hezbollah ally, it’s over in Late October.
Nasrallah said that Hezbollah would not accept that foreigner countries imposing head on Lebanon and the will also Do not accept a foreign “veto”. against Any candidate in a clear reference to Franjieh.
Nasrallah announcement This came days after the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri also He said he supports Franjieh for president. Franjieh has not publicly announced he runs for office.
despite of support of Hezbollah and Berri’s Amal Movement are the two largest Shiite groups in The country will remain French need the support of Other parliamentary blocs do not coalition has a majority in 128 legislative seats.
Franjieh said recently that his alliances are close with Hezbollah and Assad government give has an advantage against Other candidates he can also speak with them to make concessions for the good of Lebanon.
According to Lebanon power-Participation systemThe president must be a Maronite Christian prime minister Sunni Muslim and parliament The speaker is a Shiite Muslim. the parliament Cabinet seats are divided equally between Christians and Muslims.
Frangieh the leader of The Marada Movement descends from a well-known politician family From northern Lebanon. His grandfather – the man who bears his name – was A.J former President of Lebanon. When he was 13 years old, he had his father, the martyr Tony Frangieh with for him mother And a sister in The infamous 1978 massacre perpetrated by rival Maronite Christian forces in mountain resort of calm down
In 2018, Franjieh reconciled with Christian leader Samir Geagea who led the raid in Ehden, but was seriously wounded and withdrew from the operation.
Geagea, whose Lebanese Forces party has the largest bloc in parliamentvehemently opposes Franjieh becoming president and vows to do everything in his power to prevent him from becoming president post.
