Deputy Strida Geagea, during a meeting she held with Deputy Joseph Issaq in Maarab with the heads of the Lebanese Forces centers in the Batroun district, members of the election machinery, and officials from election offices and electoral arenas in the district, confirmed that "the worst type of governance, regardless of political systems, is the kind that exercises power for purposes other than the supreme national interest, whether for personal, partisan interests or for a project unrelated to the nation and the people. This type of governance is practiced by those who cling to power in Lebanon." She pointed out that "the double standards of the power brokers are evident and clear, the latest example being the issue of distancing from the conflict; this is conclusive evidence that they are not acting in the interest of the supreme national interest. Those who do act for this interest must have clear constants, solid principles, and harmonious stances."
She expressed that "in light of what is happening with the Ukrainian people and the stance taken by President Volodymyr Zelensky in standing alongside the military and the people in defense of his homeland and land, this reminded me of the 'wise leader' who equates himself with the least member of the Lebanese Forces, especially in 1994 when he received several offers to travel abroad but refused and chose to enter detention alongside his comrades. The stance of the Ukrainian president also reminds me of how our president was during the war, 'we remember it and it should not be repeated', standing with the youth on the front lines and in the battlefields, not hiding in operation rooms; he was injured several times alongside them on the front lines and every time returned to where he believed he should be, alongside the youth on the front lines."
She continued: "Similarly, today in politics, I recalled the attempt to falsely summon the wise leader to court on October 25 based on the events at Tayouneh on October 14, 'we remember it and it should not be repeated' as well, aiming to wrongfully imprison him once again, in addition to the direct threats received that vowed to take revenge, while everyone is well aware of who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this incident, and that the residents of Ain al-Rummaneh were defending themselves, their families, homes, livelihoods, and possessions."
She pointed out that "I cannot help but stop at what the wise leader is doing today in politics by taking matters upon himself in defense of the nation and the people, undeterred by the risks, regardless of what these risks may be. How important it is for any nation threatened by dangers to have a party consistent with its principles, national convictions, and its struggle history for the present and future of the nation. On the other hand, it is equally important for this party to be led by a president in every sense of the word."
She added: "Based on what has been presented, the Lebanese people must clearly define their choices in the upcoming parliamentary elections, whether they want to live in a country tugged by regional and international conflicts that have nothing to do with it, or in Lebanon that cares about its prosperity to provide its people with the best opportunities for life and affluence. This election is not at all like its predecessors; it is a pivotal turning point in our history and will determine the country's future path. Therefore, every individual among us must recognize the responsibility placed upon them to determine the country's destiny and judge their conscience and mind before casting their vote because every vote in the ballot box is very important."
She said: "We do not gather today merely to discuss the preparations for the elections in the Batroun district out of our interest in winning these elections in the district, but rather because our battle in Batroun is an inseparable part of the national electoral battle that we, as the Lebanese Forces, are waging across all electoral regions in the country as well as in all countries in the diaspora. It is a major battle with a clear title: saving Lebanon. We will play our role and duty in the part we are concerned with, just as our comrades do in other electoral districts. Therefore, we should not allow anyone to lead our people to anything less than this national level of the battle because it is indeed that, and we, as the people of Batroun, have a clear duty to participate in this battle. Just as we have never faltered in sacrificing for Lebanon, we will never falter today."
