Carole Salloum, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Lebanon at a Crossroads: Political Challenges and Prospects for Stability in 2025

First Step: Electing a President Who Is Not a 'Parachute Candidate' and Committed to Fully Implementing the Taif Agreement

A few hours remain before the current year wraps up, taking with it all the various events that have unfolded in Lebanon and around the world. These final hours, in particular, are a time for reflection on the challenges the country has faced. The last months of this year were arguably the most difficult, primarily due to the Israeli aggression and its repercussions on people and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Lebanon is looking forward to a new political phase, with the first step of being the election of a president who can lead this transitional period and put Lebanon and its institutions back on track.

As the new year approaches, numerous challenges carry over, including the consolidation of the ceasefire agreement, bolstering the Lebanese Army's role in the south, preventing further escalation, addressing reconstruction dilemmas, and tackling ongoing economic and social crises.

In this context, informed political sources told the "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency that the ceasefire agreement is at the top of Lebanon's priorities. The state's role is pivotal in ensuring adherence to this agreement within a specific timeframe, in addition to the army's efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure in the south and prevent the smuggling of weapons.

The sources added that while some may attempt to spread rumors about the army's negligence, available information confirms its commitment to carrying out its duties under the agreement. However, this depends on cooperation with Hezbollah without resistance. Giving the army consistent political support would strengthen its actions and help avoid potential future conflicts.

These sources also emphasized that electing a president to oversee this agreement and its subsequent phases is crucial. This would pave the way for full legitimacy and the implementation of international resolutions. The new president, as a leader for all Lebanese, must focus pushing these goals forward and rebuilding the state.

The sources further indicated that the presidential election session scheduled for January 9 is still on, with considerable efforts underway to finalize this critical milestone. Significant pressure exists to ensure that the elected president is neither a "gray figure" nor a "Parachute Candidate". The consensus is that the chosen individual must be a unifying figure. Otherwise, this process risks facing further complications.

Additionally, the same sources do not rule out that the new phase will pass through successive steps, with high hopes placed on a genuine pivot toward strengthening state institutions and implementing the Taif Agreement in full. Nevertheless, concerns persist, particularly regarding security and political breaches; this requires intervention from the next president and a cohesive government.

In conclusion: Will 2025 be a gateway to regularizing political life in the country? The answer to that depends on the coming days and months.