The visit of MP Foad Khazen to the head of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), MP Gibran Bassil, has marked the beginning of the communications and meetings usually preceding the presidential election. For months, Khazen has advocated for the theory of "opening up to Bassil" and has chosen to translate this theory into action following the parliamentary elections. This will not be the last visit to Bassil, nor will Bassil be the only one Khazen meets, as it seems he is preparing the ground for visits from the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, who has returned to Lebanon after a 25-day trip abroad.
The summer vacation was early, before gearing up for the presidential battle which will require several visits from Frangieh, some of which will surprise public opinion. Some around Frangieh state, "We need to talk to everyone," a sentiment the Marada leader believes in as he seeks a presidency from which he learns from the mistakes of President Michel Aoun's term: he will not seek inheritance, he will not pursue settlements, he will not monopolize appointments, nor will he engage in a battle of powers to undermine others, and he will build the bridges that have collapsed.
While Frangieh is advancing in the presidential race, he is certainly not the only candidate. The army commander remains a possibility, especially if a presidential vacuum occurs. The "centrist president" label resonates with many political forces and parties and is not entirely rejected by Hezbollah. We are talking about a president who does not pose a challenge to anyone, such as Ziad Baroud or Nassif Hitti and others.
Behind the scenes, others are preparing to enter the race as well, and we will witness, following the anniversary of the port explosion—which will be a major event for several days—a formal presidential nomination from a figure outside the recognized names. This will be a surprising nomination in terms of name, appearance, and message.
Thus, the "season" that Khazen has opened will become more active after mid-August, two weeks away from the start of the constitutional period for electing a president. Notably, reaching consensus on a candidate capable of securing the required votes for victory will necessitate meetings, interventions, and responses to conditions, without overlooking the external factor, especially as the border demarcation file is nearing its conclusions, coinciding with the "presidential era."
Frangieh's "battle" will not be spontaneous but will be approached strategically, both internally and externally, politically and media-wise. However, other candidates are also moving, albeit away from the spotlight, waiting for the right timing to strike or to remain in the shadows if conditions do not permit. August will be bustling with "presidential appointments," preparing for what follows September 1, without ruling out the option of obstructing the quorum, a weapon that might be used by another team this time, particularly against Frangieh.
