The presidential file is a central topic in most meetings of the leader of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea. This was evident during his meeting with the MTV website family in a comprehensive dialogue in Maarab, where summer is about to fade into autumn, while Geagea hopes to witness the spring of the country with the election of a president, whose qualifications can be summarized in one phrase: "Someone who can say no to Hezbollah."
The conversation with Geagea began with the presidency, where he confirmed that the Lebanese Forces do not want a presidential vacuum, but rather that the head of the Free National Movement, Gibran Bassil, does not want to endorse any president other than himself, and "Hezbollah" does not want to lose Bassil, yet does not want him as president. Therefore, the party is stuck in a puzzle, as it does not wish to abandon Bassil to avoid losing the cover provided by the Free National Movement.
Geagea noted that "Hezbollah is constrained in the presidential matter because the Resistance team has a fundamental problem: the nomination of Gibran Bassil." He added, "As for our team, which includes the Lebanese Forces, a group of Sunni MPs, change MPs, independents, the Progressive Socialist Party, and the Kataeb, there have been continuous communications and meetings over the past ten days regarding the presidential entitlement, and we should reach a candidate in the coming weeks after presenting several names. We are on a positive track with good indicators."
He observed that "the Resistance team is moving towards a vacuum, while we are heading in the opposite direction, and there is no rescue operation without a new president for the republic." Geagea revealed that "in the general basket, there are 2 to 3 names, and the head of the Independence Movement, MP Michel Moawad, is a qualified personality for the presidency, but we currently do not propose names." He added, "I have sensed a willingness among opposition groups to reach a unified candidate, and now the focus is on this issue."
Geagea affirmed that "the relationship is ongoing with Dar Al-Fatwa and communication is maintained on all issues, and the cordiality with the Progressive Socialist Party has never been lost." He stressed that "the Lebanese Forces do not accept a president from the Resistance; if a president from this axis reaches, we will be in opposition and will not participate in any government."
He believed "there is no need to use the weapon of obstruction in the presidential elections," noting that "the current discussion revolves around how to reach unified names and then a single name to bring to the Parliament." Regarding the president's qualifications, Geagea stated: "The Lebanese Forces want a rescue and steadfast president who is not intimidated by anyone, a 'manly president' who safeguards the interests of the state and is reformist." He considered "the name Suleiman Frangieh unacceptable due to his affiliation with the other axis, yet we have not launched a campaign against him as Bassil takes care of that."
He regarded that "Aoun will not remain in the palace after October 31st," according to his information, adding, "If he stays in the palace, he will become a contrary-to-law Lebanese citizen," and he confirmed that he would not get dragged into street games. He added, "If I am elected president of the republic, we will be facing a completely different scene from now, which is why many do not want this option because they know I have a clear decision, and no one can intimidate me; I have a clear project, and the situation in the country will be just like that of the Lebanese Forces in terms of system and organization."
Regarding the government, Geagea asserted that "Hezbollah is currently exerting all its weight to form a government," before asking the question: "Will the party be able to bridge the gap between the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Bassil?" He confirmed that "constitutionally, a caretaker government can take on the duties of the presidency at the end of its term, even if it has incomplete powers."
When asked about the most significant black mark of Aoun's presidency, he replied: "The entire term, with one white mark that I prefer to keep to myself," summarizing Aoun's term as "the deception of the century." Geagea stated that "there is no ally in politics, but the Kataeb and the Lebanese Forces are the most loyal to their principles," revealing that there is "direct communication with the Kataeb," and a meeting may happen soon.
Regarding his meeting with Mrs. Tracy Chamoun, he noted that she informed him of her intention to run, and she is among the names proposed by the opposition team for selection. When asked who funds the "Lebanese Forces," Geagea emphasized that "the party funds itself from expatriates and committed businessmen abroad, especially in Canada, the U.S., and Australia, in addition to Lebanese businessmen who have joined us from the Free National Movement."
Geagea concluded by highlighting the role of the military institution, stating: "It is true that there are many calamities in Lebanon, but the positive aspect is that the army exists and will not allow any citizen to infringe on another citizen; this is a guarantee for everyone during this stage, so there is no possibility for any group to resort to non-democratic means at this time."
