A vision for Lebanon, a leader for all

The Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc, led by the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) of Druze leader Teymour Joumblatt, has announced its support for the candidacy of Joseph Aoun, the commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Army, for the presidency of Lebanon. 

The endorsement was made public through a statement shared with local media ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for January 9, 2025.

The decision was reached during a meeting of the bloc attended by former PSP leader Walid Joumblatt, Teymour Joumblatt, and other prominent figures, including MPs Marwan Hamadé, Akram Chehayeb, Waël Abou Faour, Hady Abou el-Hosn, Faysal Sayegh, Raji el-Saad, and Bilal Abdallah.

In addition to the presidential endorsement, the bloc also discussed the broader political situation in Lebanon and recent regional developments.

Lebanon has been without a president since the end of Michel Aoun’s term on October 31, 2022. Deep political divisions have prevented consensus on a successor, leaving the country in a prolonged state of institutional deadlock.

The endorsement of Joseph Aoun signals a strategic move by the Joumblatt bloc, aligning itself with a figure seen as a neutral and stabilizing candidate in Lebanon’s polarized political environment.

The army commander has gained significant public and political support as a unifying figure amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and institutional crises.

As Lebanon grapples with unprecedented challenges, including economic collapse and regional instability following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the decline of Iran's influence, and the diminishing dominance of Hezbollah, the election of a president has taken on heightened urgency. 

The January 9 parliamentary session represents a critical opportunity for Lebanon’s lawmakers to move past political gridlock and elect a leader capable of addressing the country’s mounting crises.