The President of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, confirmed in an interview with the French magazine Valeurs Actuelles, conducted by journalist Marie-Dick Raffray in Maarab, that he no longer expects anything from France. He also portrayed a pressing ambiguity regarding the future landscape of Lebanon and the region due to the ongoing events in Gaza. Additionally, he emphasized that "our roots in Lebanon are deep." Geagea clarified that he is targeted by Hezbollah because he has become the leader of the largest Lebanese party due to the confidence placed in him by the Lebanese in the recent parliamentary elections. He explained France's role in Lebanon and its approach to Lebanese political obligations on the basis of "let it be."
Regarding his vision for Lebanon's future, he replied, "It is difficult to anticipate Lebanon's future, even if there is a trend toward the end of the Gaza war, as the balance of power in the Middle East will change. What we do not know is the extent of this change in the situation: a little or a lot?" When asked if he was optimistic, he said, "I am not sure. Before October 7, there were many positive signs in the economy. We expected to see them increase by Christmas, but the momentum faded, and the war froze the Lebanese space. However, our country remains an oasis of freedom and democracy in the Middle East despite all the past tragedies." He explained in this context, "Despite 30 years of Syrian occupation (1976-2005) and Hezbollah's dominance since 2005—while stressing that it is purely an Iranian weapon that aims to impose its agenda on Lebanon—it has not succeeded, and it ended up paralyzing the country in the manner we know and are living today. Nevertheless, our roots remain. Though they are currently in a dormant stage."
When asked if France has the ability and will to help "awaken" these roots, Geagea commented, "Emotionally, I am still waiting for France, but practically, I no longer expect anything. Let's take the presidential election as an example; France initially made great efforts to ensure the election of Hezbollah's candidate, Sleiman Frangieh. For me, as a Lebanese citizen who loves France, this is unacceptable."
When asked if he blames the French government, the leader of the Lebanese Forces cited a recent comment by a British journalist: "France in Lebanon: let it be." He noted that every time France takes a position in Lebanon, it is made far from any understanding of the situation and reality. Previously, it supported the Syrians. "Let it be so. Now Hezbollah as well. Let it be so." France only considers the balance of power. From this perspective, if we look at Lebanon from a distance, the idea is formed that Hezbollah has weapons, is strong and is supported by Iran, and thus it should not be disturbed. Therefore, it is acceptable if supporting its candidate contradicts Lebanon's sovereignty, reforms, and institutions. At that time, this was unacceptable. Since then, the French have changed their minds."
He continued, "People are suffering. How do we save this country? Certainly not by electing a Hezbollah candidate, as that would inevitably make matters worse. During the second-to-last visit of Jean-Yves Le Drian (the special envoy of the Élysée to Lebanon), we had agreed on an alternative name represented by the Maronite economist Jihad Azour, a former minister and the head of the International Monetary Fund for the Middle East. Hezbollah rejected and opposed that, while we were ready to move and go in that direction."
Regarding the opinion of the United States, Geagea replied, "I don't think we mean much to them. We were never their favorite dish. In their view, it is a dish intended for the French."
When asked why he isolates himself in his hideout, he stated, "It is obvious to point out that I have become a target for Hezbollah. We know they are not foolish; when they kill opponents, they justify their actions by changing the situation. Particularly since the Lebanese Forces have become the majority among Christians since the 2022 parliamentary elections, my taking refuge here is not new or surprising, as my ancestors have always lived in the mountains."
