SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Saad Hariri will not run for elections, a Sunni figure to take over

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri has returned home. If we rely on what was confirmed by several figures he met in Abu Dhabi, Hariri’s return means that the parliamentary elections will be obviously held. He will make his decision regarding the elections and return to Beirut to translate this decision after calling on the electoral bodies and setting the due date.

It appears that Hariri will not participate in the polls, while sources clarify that the decision will be confirmed following the meeting that would bring Hariri together with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Especially since the Shiite pair, according to sources, cannot compensate for its loss as a consequence of the reduction in the number of parliamentarians to its Christian allies, particularly the Free Patriotic Movement, except among Sunnis, and it need Hariri’s assistance to ensure this.

On the other hand, sources confirm that Hariri’s failure to run does not mean that the Future Movement will not run in the parliamentary elections, and there is speculation that Hariri will provide unannounced support for some lists while allowing his candidates to form lists at their discretion and in accordance with the conditions for success in their region.

According to informed sources, the investigation is presently focused on the figure who would take over administration of affairs following Hariri’s decision to withdraw from the parliamentary symposium, provided that he is approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to sources, President Fouad Siniora’s pick was thwarted by Hariri and his aunt, MP Bahia Hariri, who were concerned about shifting the situation from temporary to permanent. As a result, there is speculation that a Sunni economic figure, such as former Minister Mhammad Choucair or others who do not constitute a danger to Saad Hariri’s leadership, may be chosen. Even the partnerships, if the future decides to participate in the elections, are not finalized, including the collaboration with the Lebanese Forces, whose sources indicate that the forces are partners with the Sunnis and not substitutes for them.

    Source:
  • Sawt Beirut International