Lebanon

Stormy Start to the 13th Session to Elect a President
Stormy Start to the 13th Session to Elect a President

The thirteenth session for the election of a President of the Republic opened with a dispute between those who contest the election of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, General Joseph Aoun, who enjoys a large parliamentary majority, and those who want Lebanon to finally have a President. MP Melhem Khalaf, an ally of the Speaker of the House, ...

The Twelve Labors of… Parliament
SpotlightThe Twelve Labors of… Parliament

Since the end of former President Michel Aoun's term in October 2022, Lebanon has been facing a period of presidential vacancy, accompanied by overlapping economic and security crises, the most recent being the war between Hezbollah and Israel. From political divisions to diplomatic visits, the Lebanese political scene has become mired in ...

Baabda Prepares to Welcome the New President
Baabda Prepares to Welcome the New President

The 14th President of the Lebanese Republic is set to arrive at Baabda's Presidential Palace after a vacancy spanning over two years. Before a substantial audience comprising Lebanese, Arab, and international media, the president-elect will assume his constitutional responsibilities during a ceremonial event. Accompanied by the army's anthem of ...

MPs' Positions Ahead of the Presidential Election Session
MPs' Positions Ahead of the Presidential Election Session

MPs are arriving at Parliament Square to take part in the thirteenth session, scheduled for 11 AM, to elect the 14th President of the Republic. Various MPs have shared their views: “Strong Republic” bloc MP Charbel Massaad stated, “The path of change began with the October 17 revolution, and this path is now crystallizing with the arrival ...

A Herculean Task for the New President
EditorialA Herculean Task for the New President

The moment of truth is upon us—the time for decisive choices and a critical turning point for the country. Regardless of the outcome of the January 9 election, the election of Lebanon's 14th president presents a historic opportunity to claim the country’s rightful place in the emerging regional order. The new president will immediately face ...

Shifting Alliances: The Evolution of US Foreign Policy in Lebanon and the Road Ahead
AnalysisShifting Alliances: The Evolution of US Foreign Policy in Lebanon and the Road Ahead

The United States’ involvement in Lebanese politics has intensified, particularly in efforts to counteract Hezbollah's influence. Recent events suggest that the US is attempting to influence Lebanon's presidential election, backing candidates like General Joseph Aoun to potentially weaken Hezbollah's grip. This involvement underscores the US’s ...

If I Were President of the Republic!
EditorialIf I Were President of the Republic!

Alright, let’s face it: what you’re about to read might feel like déjà vu, but let’s give it a shot. If I were president, I would make it clear to Hezbollah that it has lost the war and that its political survival hinges on surrendering its weapons. Failing that, the weapons will be taken by force, and not a single cent will go toward ...

Opposition MPs to Endorse Army Commander Joseph Aoun
Opposition MPs to Endorse Army Commander Joseph Aoun

The opposition MPs will officially endorse Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun in Thursday's presidential election. Following a meeting with the head of the Lebanese Forces, the opposition explained that, before deciding to back General Aoun, they had shifted their support from presidential candidate Michel Moawad to Jihad Azour. However, ...

The LBP's Exchange Rate Remains Fixed
The LBP's Exchange Rate Remains Fixed

The Lebanese Pound’s (LBP) exchange rate remains fixed, despite attempts by speculators to exploit the political atmosphere surrounding the presidential election, official sources told MTV Lebanon. Speculators are reportedly attempting to create the illusion of an improving LBP exchange rate and a declining dollar value, according to the ...

Blinken Hopes for “Lasting Peace” in Lebanon as Israeli Troops Withdraw
Blinken Hopes for “Lasting Peace” in Lebanon as Israeli Troops Withdraw

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed optimism on Wednesday for a “lasting peace” as Israeli troops begin withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Speaking at a news conference in Paris, Blinken confirmed that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in place for nearly a month, continues to hold. “The ceasefire is ...

Frangieh, Baroud and Frem Withdraw From Presidential Race, Support Gen. Joseph Aoun
Frangieh, Baroud and Frem Withdraw From Presidential Race, Support Gen. Joseph Aoun

Head of Marada Party Sleiman Frangieh, MP Neemat Frem and former Minister Ziyad Baroud have each announced on Wednesday that they are withdrawing their candidacy for Thursday's presidential election, in favor of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun. Frangieh, whose candidature for president was supported by the Shiite duo – Amal and ...