| Aoun’s bright vision to restore justice to Lebanon |
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Aoun’s bright vision to restore justice to Lebanon
By Ziad Chebib
10/1/2025
See translation in Arabic section:
Middle East Times International: This week’s political developments in Lebanon highlight that the election of the President marks a significant turning point for the Land of the Cedar and, indeed, the Middle East region. This new phase signifies the end of the practical implications of the Cairo Agreement from 1969. It restores the state’s authority and the singular role of its army. At the same time, it addresses the suspension of the Taif Agreement. The need for substantial reforms outlined in this agreement, and enshrined in the constitution, is now more critical than ever. President Joseph Aoun emphasised this shift by declaring: “My pledge to the Lebanese wherever they are, and for the whole world to hear, is that today a new phase in Lebanon’s history has begun.â€
For those who do not know Aoun, his speech highlighted a unique combination of major, ambitious, and pivotal themes. These included the state’s right to monopolise the carrying of weapons, protecting Lebanon, restoring its role and status, justice, and administration. These themes were expressed in a clear and honest manner, demonstrating a real determination to commit to implementation. This determination was matched by Aoun’s personal and moral qualities. He summarised his vision in one phrase: that he will be the “first servant†to “preserve the charter and the National Accord Document, and to exercise the full powers of the President of the Republic as a fair arbiter between institutions.â€
This phrase illustrates how the President views himself and his role. It also indicates a concept unfamiliar to the Lebanese, whose system has been based on authority serving factional and clientelist interests. Today, the President tells everyone, especially those who elected him, that he is the first servant of the state. This reflects a deep commitment to the correct concept of public service, which the Lebanese have long missed.
The title of “first servant†that the President chose for himself means that he occupies the highest position in the state and heads all its authorities. However, his presidency is a public service. This means he will be the first in service, setting an example for others. Therefore, all those in public service – including members of governments, representatives, judges, and other officials – must realise that public service is both a method and an approach. They too must embody this example.
It was striking how much attention the President devoted to the judiciary in his inauguration speech. It was clear that justice and the judiciary are at the forefront of his concerns. This focus stems from his belief in the judiciary's central role in building the state. He expressed this conviction by stating: “If we want to build a country, we must all be under the umbrella of the law and the judiciary.â€
This statement aligns with a core idea in his speech: Lebanon’s problem lies in governance and its rulers. This issue is a natural consequence of the absence of oversight. Over decades, rulers have felt immune from judicial scrutiny, prosecution, and accountability. This lack of accountability eventually led to Lebanon's great collapse. The solution, Aoun argued, lies in restoring the judiciary to its rightful role. It also requires establishing the principle of the state of law and justice. This can only be achieved with a judiciary that is independent, effective, and aware of its responsibilities. Such a judiciary must prevent its positions from becoming tools for the ruling powers to protect their followers or target their opponents.
The President’s focus on the judiciary and his pledge to restore its role have undoubtedly warmed the hearts of many. This includes independent judges, who constitute a majority that can help build a strong judiciary, and jurists who believe in this mission. The legislation needed to guarantee the judiciary’s independence, as pledged by the President, will form one of the key pillars of Lebanon’s new phase. |
