The declaration by the Aounist camp to endorse Azour’s candidacy seems to mark a turning point in the path of the Free Patriotic Movement. Although it is accompanied by caution from sovereign blocs regarding Bassil’s intentions behind this endorsement, it ultimately favors the confrontation against the candidate of Hezbollah. Moreover, the choice of former Minister Jihad Azour gains momentum with the announcement of MP Michel Mouawad’s withdrawal from the presidential race and the endorsement of some opposition MPs. These steps narrow the margin of maneuverability for the Resistance Axis and put President Berri’s deadline to a challenging test, as he has exhausted all possible solutions and no longer holds any magical “rabbits” to reclaim his role in previous eras.