French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a three-day diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, where he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have called for Lebanon to organize new presidential elections. This push for fresh elections comes in the context of a fragile ceasefire between the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel, which has heightened political and security uncertainties in Lebanon.
The call for elections underscores growing concerns over Lebanon’s political paralysis, which has led to a vacancy in the presidential office for over a year. The Lebanese presidency, which has been vacant since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, has been a point of contention amid ongoing political gridlock. The lack of a functioning president has further compounded Lebanon’s economic crisis, one of the worst in its history.
Both Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed have emphasized the need for stability in Lebanon, stressing that elections are crucial for restoring effective governance and maintaining the country’s fragile peace. The call for a new leadership comes at a critical moment, with Hezbollah, a powerful political and militant faction in Lebanon, engaged in sporadic clashes with Israel, and the country continuing to grapple with widespread economic collapse and political instability.
In their statements, both leaders highlighted the importance of Lebanese sovereignty and the need for Lebanon to overcome its internal divisions. The international community, including France and Saudi Arabia, has been actively engaged in supporting Lebanon’s recovery process, but the political vacuum and unresolved tensions with Hezbollah remain significant obstacles.
Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks an important step in France’s ongoing efforts to engage with regional powers in addressing Lebanon’s crises. It also signals the growing role of Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Middle East, in influencing Lebanon’s future, particularly given its longstanding rivalry with Iran, which backs Hezbollah.
While the proposed elections could provide a pathway out of Lebanon’s political deadlock, the situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah’s influence over the Lebanese state and its military capabilities posing significant challenges to any political resolution.
The French president’s trip also reflects a broader international concern about the stability of Lebanon and its potential to serve as a flashpoint for broader regional conflicts. As Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed continue their discussions, all eyes will remain on Lebanon to see if the call for new elections can gain traction amid ongoing political and security challenges.
