Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea affirmed that hope today is greater than ever for resolving the political and economic crisis gripping Lebanon, referencing the Lebanese proverb, "The more the crisis intensifies, the more it will be alleviated." As the crisis deepens, its nature and causes have become clear to all Lebanese citizens, compelling everyone to seek solutions, thus increasing the hope for finding a resolution. He emphasized the need to expose those responsible for this crisis, namely the "Resistance Team" and the "Free Patriotic Movement," which impede change in the country.
Geagea’s remarks came during a speech at the annual dinner for “Lebanon Free” radio, attended by MPs Pierre Bou Assi, Shawki Daccache, and Elie Khoury, among other former MPs and various media and social figures.
Geagea pointed out that the Resistance Team, through its futile wars and entanglement of Lebanon in unrelated conflicts, has destroyed the infrastructure of the Lebanese state. He stated, "This team was forced to deal with the most corrupt individuals to bolster its internal position, leading to widespread corruption throughout the country," asserting that Lebanon cannot recover under the dominance of this team, which he termed Anti-Change.
He accused the Free Patriotic Movement of pursuing narrow interests at the expense of the national interest, stating, "Members of this movement constantly seek political gains and personal benefits without considering the country's interest." He indicated that their opportunistic policies have led to institutional paralysis and hindered any reform efforts.
Geagea evaluated the current situation, highlighting that the real problem lies in the current political class that refuses to acknowledge its mistakes and continues to repeat the same failed policies. He argued, "Lebanon needs a radical change in approach and policies, which requires political courage and clear vision. We cannot emerge from the current situation without confronting the root causes that led to it."
He noted that the Lebanese people have become more aware of the true reasons behind the crisis, with empty slogans no longer deceiving them. He added, "Today, Lebanese citizens are more conscious and aware of the realities, and they are ready to support any genuine efforts for change. We are closer than ever to achieving our project, and a key obstacle has been removed, which is the deceit that the Free Patriotic Movement employed, with people now understanding the realities and the need for a fundamental solution."
Regarding the opposition, Geagea expressed appreciation for its role in preventing a further deterioration of the situation, despite its relatively small number of MPs and inability to enforce necessary changes. He said, "The opposition plays its role; its members are champions in every sense of the word, resilient, with clear principles that they consistently uphold."
Geagea criticized MPs who stand in the middle and evade confrontation under the banner of being "against alignments," urging them to take clear and bold positions. He clarified, "A deputy who does not want confrontation cannot truly serve; their stance cannot be ambiguous, as they must take decisive positions on fundamental issues, thus they cannot remain neutral between good and evil or between the decent and the indecent."
He reiterated that the issues posed by the Resistance and the Free Patriotic Movement are "hereditary and genetic," thus, one should not exhaust themselves trying to find a solution for them, as these issues have no resolution. He asserted that the possible solution lies with the MPs who occupy the middle ground.
Geagea commenced his speech by discussing "Lebanon Free" radio, stating, "Lebanon Free is not a failed or bankrupt institution. On the contrary, it has been and remains a successful entity both technically and politically." He acknowledged the significant challenges faced but reaffirmed its status as a symbol of the Lebanese resistance and hope.
He emphasized the importance of supporting the radio station, highlighting that this annual gathering is not merely about mitigating financial deficits but is a manifestation of unity in the face of challenges and a commitment to hope for a better Lebanon. "We can achieve the Lebanon we desire if we continue to work as we do today, with heads held high and voices raised. We must not despair or lose our way at any moment," he stated.
The dinner began with the Lebanese national anthem and the anthem of the Lebanese Forces, followed by a speech from radio journalist Eldiko Elia, who emphasized that "Lebanon Free" is a platform that enables freedom of expression and values individuals. She expressed pride in the commitment to uncovering corruption and hypocrisy, marking the radio station as a beacon of hope for those wanting to be heard.
Elia noted that thanks to ongoing support, Lebanon Free has managed to keep pace with developments without losing its identity, remaining true to its national and sovereign approach. She affirmed the station’s commitment to seriousness and objectivity, thanking all supporters for their moral and material assistance, asserting that their support is pure oxygen in a time of pollution.
