Joseph Aoun – Free Malaysia Today
On January 9th, Joseph Aoun was elected as the 14th president of Lebanon. After a two year political vacuum, during which the parliament had to come together 12 times before finally reaching a majority vote for Aoun. The newly elected, 61-year-old president was the army chief before assuming his current position. Internationally, he is mainly supported by the United States and Saudi Arabia, as he has close relations to these countries from his military career. Domestically he has gained popularity with his commitment to reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. During his inaugural speech, Aoun firmly stood for an end to the Israeli occupation in Lebanon. Furthermore, he indirectly expressed his intent to disarm Hezbollah by stating to monopolize the use of arms solely to the state.
Despite the support he receives, the new president faces many challenges. These include reconnecting with the Arab countries surrounding Lebanon—particularly resolving long standing issues with its neighbor Syria—safeguarding the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, while maintaining good relations with Hezbollah, and finding a path to alleviate Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis.
These are no easy tasks for just one man, but the appointment of a new president shows a rare moment of consensus in the Lebanese parliament. This election could mark the start of a new era for the country. Everyone will be looking at him with a hopeful yet watchful eye.
Author: Isabel Freie