New President of Lebanon: Hope for Peace and Reforms!

The Lebanon finally has a new head of state after a two -year vacancy. General chief of staff Joseph Aoun was elected president and made his oath of office in parliament. When he arrived at the Presidential Palace in Beirut, a red carpet was rolled out, and the streets were decorated with pictures from Aoun. Sweet treats were distributed in the capital, which characterizes his choice as a sign of hope for many citizens of Lebanon.

After the end of Michel Aoun's presidency in October 2022, the search for a new president was made difficult by the influence of the Hisbollah and numerous failed attempts at elections. A total of twelve times were tried in parliament to choose a successor. The war between the Hisbollah and Israel at the end of 2024 weakened the power of the militia and contributed to the fact that Joseph Aoun can now take the position of the president.

international support and hopes for reforms

International reactions on AOun's choice are mostly positive. US President Joe Biden expressed his confidence in the new president and emphasized his role for a ceasefire between the Hisbollah and Israel and for the return of refugees. France's President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Aoun and sees him a possibility for necessary reforms in Lebanon. The US special envoy Amos Hochstein also described Aoun's choice as a significant step towards peace and stability.

The choice of a new president is considered by the international community as a condition for financial aid that the Lebanon urgently needs. The Lebanon suffers from a severe economic crisis that was caused by decades of corruption. In addition, Aoun announced in his inaugural speech that only the state should have weapons, which is directed directly against the Hisbollah.

The Lebanese army is generally regarded as a neutral institution, which could strengthen Ao's role as president. Saudi Arabia and International Geberländer also see a possible path to the necessary reforms and urgently needed financial aid for Lebanon.