A notable political and public scene marked February 14, the anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, led by Saad Hariri, who made a relative return, although he confirmed the continuation of his suspension from political work. Political and popular delegations flocked to downtown Beirut to commemorate Hariri the father, following over a year since the Future Movement suspended its political activities. While the Future Movement's supporters asserted their presence, the son was relaying messages directly and indirectly, either through the public gathering at the grave or through the positions he expressed from his home in "Bayt al-Wasat," before and after his visit to the grave.
After a year and a month of announcing his suspension from political work, Hariri made his first political statement, seeing "mismanagement" as the cause of the country's current situation. He emphasized that the Sunni community "does not obstruct" the presidential election, considering that anyone who decided to protect the community's rights "has burned its religion," affirming his commitment to continue with "his people." These are the first positions of this kind, but informed sources did not see them as a serious indication of Hariri's return to politics, noting that "the reasons that led to Hariri's withdrawal still exist and are increasing, thus returning without any changes in the scene would be against Hariri's interests and not in his favor."
Sources pointed out in an interview with the electronic newspaper "Al-Anbaa" that "several tasks await Hariri if he decides to return, the first of which undoubtedly lies in reorganizing his political team, especially after last year's parliamentary elections." Former MP Ahmad Fatfat confirmed that yesterday's event was "entirely spontaneous, and no party preparation was made for it, as people want to see Saad Hariri because he brings hope to them, and he is a man of national stages that united people rather than divided them." He noted that Hariri does not need to wait for February 14 to reaffirm his leadership, but attendees confirmed their adherence to his approach.
In a statement to the electronic newspaper "Al-Anbaa," Fatfat pointed out that "Hariri's return to political life is meaningless unless there is any change in how political parties approach issues in the country and their relations with each other. Hariri has not yet sensed this change; in fact, the same approach continues. As long as the traditional method is ongoing, there is no expected change." However, Fatfat believed that "the desired change may not happen before the next parliamentary elections, and Hariri may continue to suspend his political work until then, but the final decision lies with him."
