The visit of President of the "Free Patriotic Movement" MP Gebran Bassil to Tripoli a few days ago remains a subject of analysis and questions, without bringing any optimism from the Tripolitans and others, especially as it comes on the brink of the end of his uncle President Michel Aoun's term, amidst a deterioration in the structure of the "Movement" in the last days of Aoun's presidency. This follows a failed visit Bassil made to Tripoli months ago, which was met with severe criticism from many in the city, and the visit at that time was surrounded by heavy security.
Meanwhile, there is a wide public inquiry in Tripoli: Why does Gebran Bassil visit a city that fundamentally rejects him and his movement, specifically at the end of his uncle Michel Aoun's term, who has taken Tripoli and Lebanon decades back into deprivation and lack of official attention? What connection does Bassil have with Tripoli and its people, who rejected Michel Aoun's era and revolted against it?
Certainly, the visit requires reading and analysis both in form and content. Formally, the president's son-in-law wanted to convey to those concerned that "Tripoli is not off-limits to him; he can visit it, dive into its sea, and walk through its streets whenever he wants." In terms of content, Bassil did not enter Tripoli as a conqueror or as someone being carried on shoulders. He arrived early in the morning to the calm "Minieh" street and did not enter the crowded popular areas. From "Minieh" - the port, he struck out against the October 17 uprising, claiming it prevented him from visiting this place and working there.
From the city of the port, and near the home of his political rival, the designated Prime Minister Naji Mikati, Bassil wanted to send several messages to Mikati not to bet on the end of the term to impose his conditions on forming the government, for if the term ends, Bassil does not end and remains a thorn in the throat of those who want to swallow him politically and will strike him in his own den.
In contrast, Mikati's circles responded to the president's son-in-law's visit with considerable indifference on the media front and did not say to him what his media machine might typically say: "Welcome to this appearance" in the city of the designated president. As for the public perspective, Tripolitans do not expect any positivity from Bassil and his visit, as he did not offer anything to the city when his uncle's term was at its height, so what can he offer now as the term approaches its end? They see the visit solely through the lens of political spite and grievances, and have no hope in him or in any of the ruling class that has led the country to ruin.
