Carole Salloum, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency

Baabda Palace: A New Atmosphere and Unique Touches by First Lady...Here Lies the Secret!

At the first presidency headquarters, hope and optimism pave the way for nation-building

The election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic turning into a major event celebrated by everyone, given the hopes, promises, and the new chapter it brings for rebuilding the state and putting it back on the right track in all its aspects, is only natural—especially after a prolonged period of vacuum. However, what is truly remarkable is the joy that filled the halls of the Presidential Palace. In fact, it was a happiness that neither President General Aoun nor the First Lady, Mrs. Neemat, sought to hide.

With this prevailing sentiment, every corner of the Presidential Palace seemed infused with excitement for what lies ahead in the coming days.

To be fair, the Presidential Palace had not been devoid of ongoing preparatory efforts to welcome the president. These efforts were overseen regularly by the Presidency's Directorate General in all its departments on a regular basis.

But what are the additions? And what is the secret behind this renewal?

Some might attribute it to the start of a new era, but there is something deeper than that. It lies in the traits of the personalities that reflect and spread this joyful atmosphere throughout Baabda Palace—a much-needed shift after the tragedies that have befallen the Lebanese people.

Before cameras capture details of the images or President Aoun’s gestures, and before delving into body language, one cannot overlook the modest demeanor of his character. This humility has been evident in the president’s interactions since his election and during his tenure as army commander, plus a sense of comfort.

On the day of consultations, President Aoun intentionally addressed journalists to thank them for their work, reflecting this sense of ease—a feeling amplified by the local and international praise he has received. These compliments underline the expectations placed on his role, the constant activity within the Presidential Palace, and the flood of appointment requests he has already received.

The palace remains unchanged in terms of its layout and possessions, but the atmosphere conveys a sense of a new reality or a certain “shake-up” that is unlike the typical adjustments made when someone moves from one residence to another. Music fills the air, at the request of the First Lady of Lebanon, who, in a thoughtful gesture, invited journalists—a move that hints at a potential shift in approach, that time might reveal. Meanwhile, the distribution of chocolates wrapped with the President’s picture is just a sign of this joy.  

There is no break in presidential activity at this stage. The Presidential Palace is set to host a series of meetings with Arab and international leaders, as well as consecutive visits from Prime Minister-designate Judge Nawaf Salam before the government formation, followed by governmental sessions. Additionally, the agenda is packed with priorities, meetings, and preparations to respond to invitations received by the president for foreign trips.

A new chapter, carefully chosen to begin with President General Joseph Aoun, is one that is hoped to be smooth and free of obstacles, especially as the core themes were clearly outlined in the inaugural address.

Amid this new phase, work at the presidential headquarters is proceeding harmoniously with the vitality and dynamism of the country’s president and his wife, where there is only room for hope and optimism for change to build a strong state that everyone aspires to.