The leadership of the Free Patriotic Movement is attempting to manage the repercussions of the dismissals and resignations that have affected several of its MPs in recent weeks and days. This is particularly significant as the individuals leaving the movement hold influence over the grassroots, given their long history in party and political work.
The leadership began, spearheaded by MP Gebran Bassil, by executing its warnings to four MPs who have long been considered rebels against its decisions, starting with the dismissal of MP Elias Bou Saab in April, followed by the firing of MP Alan Aoun in early August, and then the resignation of MP Simon Abi Ramia. There are also expectations of a potential dismissal of MP Ibrahim Kanaan, who was urged by the leadership to "maintain discipline" after he called for resolving disputes and reinstating the dismissed and resigned members during a press conference. All of these individuals are accused of rebelling against the internal regulations of the "Current" and the leadership's decisions.
This series of developments has not progressed smoothly within the party base; rather, it has generated considerable discontent. One of the recently departing MPs stated that dozens, if not hundreds, of resignation requests have been submitted, with a significant portion coming from local coordinators in towns and villages. He emphasized in a statement to "Asharq Al-Awsat" that neither he nor his colleagues asked anyone to resign from the movement in solidarity, but the dissatisfaction with the leadership's performance is immense.
The same MP noted that supporters and party members are today divided into three groups: one wholly supportive of them until the end and has either resigned or is preparing to do so; another feeling profoundly lost and uncertain about how to decide, witnessing the downward trajectory of the movement; and a third group committed to the leadership's decisions, whatever they may be.
The leadership is conducting meetings with regional officials and coordinators to update them on recent developments and to address the discontent of many among them, as well as to agree on how to approach these events with party members and supporters on the ground by conveying the leadership's perspective to them.
Many regional coordinators find it very challenging to adapt to these new developments, particularly those close to the three MPs who have left the movement. While some have immediately resigned, others are trying to maintain their relationships and friendships with these MPs while still remaining part of the Free Patriotic Movement.
None of these MPs object to this strategy and affirm they do not want the coalition to unravel and will not seek that outcome. However, they stress the importance of retaining the people who elected them in the upcoming elections and attempting to attract new votes to compensate for those who will choose to support new candidates proposed by the leadership.
One regional coordinator in the Free Patriotic Movement, who preferred not to be named, stated: "There is no doubt that we love and appreciate the MPs who have left the movement. But we believe they made a mistake by not adhering to the internal regulations and leadership decisions. If every MP or leader acted as they pleased, the party would crumble, benefiting other parties." He added in a statement to "Asharq Al-Awsat" that while the situation may be somewhat difficult, they are capable of regrouping and successfully overcoming this crisis. He emphasized that now more than ever, it is important to rally around the leadership and wish the departed well.
Supporters of Bassil consider that what he is doing is entirely natural and understandable, as it occurs in every party, though often out of the public eye. They argue that allowing each MP or leader the freedom to make decisions that suit them undermines the concept of party affiliation and leads to the fragmentation and weakening of the movement, according to "Asharq Al-Awsat."
