Lebanon is shaken by a profound humanitarian and social crisis, which the election of a president is not enough to resolve. Among the unresolved knots is the national housing and employment crisis. There is growing food insecurity linked to the collapse of the currency, which has lost 90% of its value against the dollar. The country imports over 80% of its needs, particularly in the food and health sectors.
Enthusiasm in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon over the ceasefire agreement in the Strip between Israel and Hamas. Nawaf Salam, former president of the International Criminal Court, elected new prime minister. Macron expected in Beirut. The Maronite Church applauds Lebanon's adoption of the principle of ‘positive neutrality’ in foreign policy. President Aoun's first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia.
The new president speaks of a new page in the history of Lebanon and ‘respect for the Constitution’. An appointment welcomed by the international community, including by Tel Aviv and Tehran. A military man to file away the disastrous war between Hezbollah and Israel and the 26 months of institutional vacuum.
The new head of state is elected in the second round of voting this afternoon with 99 votes out of 128. Sources tell AsiaNews that Saudi and Quintet support was key. His first tasks include enforcing Resolution 1701 and upholding an independent judiciary. In his speech he praised the courage of the Lebanese people whose "identity" is inherent in the "diversity" of its various groups.
A climate of relative stability in preparation for the Lebanese Parliament's election of a new head of state on 9 January. A framework that remains fragile, given Hezbollah's determination to reorganise its forces, Iranian influence and the IDF troops still present. Elements that undermine institutions, border security and economic recovery.
Celebrating Midnight Mass in Rmeich and Mass on the 25th in Kley'a, in a relatively stable Lebanon, the Apostolic Nuncio praised the tenacity of the faithful in the Land of the Cedars. And of their attachment to their land, which is ‘holy’. Taking up the pope's words, the exhortation was to ‘never let your hope be stolen’.
