As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of its recent conflict with Israel, non-sectarian MP Michel Moawad is advocating for a new political direction for the country. He shares his insights on the election of the new president, the influence of Hezbollah, and his aspirations for rebuilding a nation devastated by war, corruption, and sectarian strife.
New beginnings amid political challenges
On January 9, 2023, the Lebanese parliament elected Joseph Aoun as president, effectively ending a prolonged period of political deadlock that lasted over two years. Aoun replaced Michael Aoun—unrelated—whose presidency ended in October 2022 amidst severe economic turmoil and political unrest, compounded by the tragic Beirut port explosion in August 2020.
Michel Moawad, the leader of the Independence Movement, which advocates a “non-confessional, third way” in Lebanese politics, has personal ties to the country’s tumultuous history. His father, René Moawad, a prominent politician, served as president for just 17 days before his assassination in 1989, just after the signing of the Taif Peace Agreement, aimed at ending a 15-year cycle of civil war.
“After my father’s assassination, unfortunately, everything went the wrong way,” Moawad remarked. “He was assassinated because he was elected to bring back peace amongst Lebanese and reconciliation, the same need we still have today.”
Fostering sovereignty and unity
Lebanon is characterized by its religious diversity, with nearly equal populations of Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and a small percentage of Druze. Navigating these divisions has proven to be a significant challenge for political leaders. Despite the Lebanese parliament’s ratification of the Taif Agreement in 1989, the subsequent years were marred by political instability and security issues, including foreign occupations and frequent political assassinations.
Moawad’s commitment to Lebanese sovereignty is evident in his political platform. He believes that Lebanon’s future lies in a political landscape free from the traditional sectarian divides that have hindered progress. “We’ve been fighting to reclaim our sovereignty … since the end of the war,” he explained, highlighting his party’s effort to forge a unique political identity that combines nationalism with liberal, reformist ideals.
The Cedar Revolution of 2005 marked a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s history, leading to the withdrawal of Syrian troops and a newfound sense of sovereignty. However, the presence of Hezbollah, with its significant parliamentary representation, poses ongoing challenges. Moawad views the entrenched confessional political system as a roadblock to genuine governance and reform.
When he ran for the presidency in 2022, Moawad faced opposition from Hezbollah and its allies, who maneuvered to prevent his election by undermining parliamentary quorum requirements. He criticized their tactics as undemocratic, stating, “We believe that that is contrary to the spirit of that constitution.”
Despite the considerable challenges, Moawad remains optimistic about his country’s future. The recent conflict with Israel has left Hezbollah weakened, potentially opening pathways for change. “I think we have, despite all the bloodshed and destruction, an opportunity,” he asserted, reflecting on the evolving political landscape.
In his inaugural address, President Aoun emphasized the importance of law and justice as foundations for nation-building, pledging to eliminate corruption and establish order. This message resonates with Moawad, who hopes the upcoming elections will see his party gain more parliamentary seats, expanding their influence and promoting reform.
Nonetheless, Lebanon faces monumental challenges, including an economic crisis that has seen the national currency plummet and significant infrastructure damage costing an estimated $10 billion to repair. Moawad understands the complexities of this situation, stating, “The old is dead, but the new is not yet born.” He is committed to fostering national reconciliation and clarifying that the struggle is against Hezbollah’s dominance, not against the Shia community itself.
Moawad believes that a modern Lebanon requires a departure from the traditional political parties based on sectarian lines, advocating instead for a united, diverse political framework. “We’re not going to solve our problems in two days. But yes, now there is a path for hope,” he concluded, expressing his determination to steer Lebanon towards a brighter future.