The Central Media and Communication Committee of the "Free Patriotic Movement" (FPM) announced in a statement that it learned from "media outlets" about the resignation of Deputy Simon Abu Ramia from the FPM and was not surprised by his decision, as it falls within a political path he has followed for a long time. This includes his refusal to attend any of the bloc’s, political body’s (weekly), political council’s (monthly), and national council’s (periodical) meetings for about five months.
While the movement expressed regret over this decision, it pointed out that it knows the underlying reasons for his insistence, which will gradually be evident to the public. This is despite the leader’s efforts to maintain all members and his willingness not to lose any of his deputies, and despite his ongoing attempts to promote unity rather than division and chaos.
The statement apologized to "FPM members and the people of Jbeil, particularly those who entrusted their votes to Deputy Abu Ramia, based on representing the movement in the parliamentary session, not on the premise that the votes given are for him to act as he wishes, resigning from the movement while retaining his parliamentary position obtained through it."
The FPM pledged to "its members and the people of Jbeil that it will continue its unwavering struggle for the cause of Lebanon and state-building, through its deputies, leaders, and members, who are loyal and numerous in Jbeil and Lebanon."
The statement also addressed the "misrepresentations" found in the resignation statement, which are part of a narrative followed recently in the context of party non-compliance, including remarks about unilateralism, uniqueness, and "inheritance." It stated that Deputy Abu Ramia should have addressed these issues during his tenure since 2009, if they existed, within the democratic party frameworks available in the FPM, whether through amending the internal regulations or through the FPM's presidential elections that have provided opportunities three times since 2015.
It added, "As President Michel Aoun advised us to be a 'guarantee for one another,' the movement promises all its members that it will not abandon anyone except those who abandon the movement for reasons related to their projects, ambitions, and personal interests. The movement will remain faithful to its cause and principles. In due time, the movement’s leader will explain the circumstances of what transpired within the movement to clarify the truth that FPM members and the Lebanese have the right to know the details of, assuring them of the strength, resilience, and future of the movement, pledging that it will be more fortified than before, and that the ongoing process of 'self-purging' within it will contribute to that."
