The president of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gibran Basil, praised party leader Najy Haik during his official announcement of Haik's new role as Deputy President for Foreign Affairs. Basil referred to Haik as the "man of difficult, sometimes shocking, and always sincere positions," adding, "Your hurtful words sometimes came from a wounded heart and out of your concern."
He continued, "We used to distance ourselves from your statements representing your personal opinion; however, today the situation is different. Your words and thoughts now represent the position of the 'Movement' because I have chosen you as Deputy President for relations with foreign parties, and your task is significant: networking with these parties."
It is noteworthy that Basil's appointment of Haik to the mentioned position has shocked both "Movement" supporters and allies, as Haik is known for his "extreme" stances against "Hezbollah," along with a sometimes sharp "Christian-right" rhetoric compared to the officially adopted discourse of the Movement.
Typically, the "Movement" denied any leadership or decision-making roles for Haik, but he was never denied affiliation with the Free Patriotic Movement, despite positions he has represented that contradict the Movement's publicly stated policy, at least.
According to "An-Nahar," supporters of the "alliance" reacted negatively to this appointment on social media, with Haik's name trending on the "X" platform, recalling Haik's positions, particularly since the appointment followed discussions about progress in dialogue with "Hezbollah."
Observers believe Basil's appointment of Haik reflects an attempt to reposition after the weakening of the "Mar Mikhael" alliance and to redistribute his cards both left and right. Haik's discourse, which closely resembles that of the "Lebanese Forces" regarding sentiments and the era of "Lebanese resistance," undoubtedly resonates with an additional Christian mood regarding the "Movement." Basil's decision is not devoid of regional calculations and party influence circles within the Movement.
