Lebanon’s Disparate Opposition Nominates IMF Official Jihad Azour for Presidency, Challenging Hezbollah-Backed Candidate
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Raven Ruma
- . June 5, 2023
- . Update: June 5, 2023 6:43 pm
Lebanon’s political landscape has been marked by deep divisions and power struggles, particularly exacerbated by the country’s ongoing economic crisis. In a surprising move, the disparate opposition, comprised of independent and main Christian parties, recently nominated Jihad Azour, a senior official at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for the presidency. This nomination challenges the candidacy of Suleiman Franjieh, who is backed by the influential Hezbollah group. The nomination of Azour reflects a growing discontent with the current political establishment and presents an opportunity to break the institutional paralysis that has plagued the country since President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October. However, the nomination is met with resistance from Hezbollah and its allies, underscoring the deep-seated regional and sectarian divisions in Lebanon.
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Background: Lebanon’s Political Crisis and Economic Woes
Lebanon has been facing a severe economic crisis, which has pushed the country to the brink of collapse. Years of mismanagement, corruption, and a heavy debt burden have contributed to the worsening economic situation. The country has been grappling with soaring inflation, a depreciating currency, high unemployment rates, and limited access to basic services such as electricity and healthcare. The lack of a functioning government has further deepened the crisis, hindering much-needed reforms and international assistance.
The Opposition’s Nomination of Jihad Azour
The opposition in Lebanon, composed of independent and main Christian parties, has rallied behind Jihad Azour as their candidate for the presidency. Azour is currently the director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF and has previously served as Lebanon’s finance minister. His expertise in economic matters and international financial institutions is seen as a valuable asset in addressing the country’s economic challenges.
The nomination of Azour comes as a direct challenge to Suleiman Franjieh, who is supported by Hezbollah and its Shiite ally Amal. Franjieh, a member of an influential Christian political dynasty in Lebanon, has close ties to the ruling political establishment in Syria and has been seen as a candidate favored by pro-Iranian forces.
Potential Implications and Challenges
The consensus among opposition deputies in support of Azour’s nomination could provide him with a better chance of securing the necessary 65 votes in the 128-member parliament to assume the presidency. Lebanon operates under a complex sectarian power-sharing regime, and the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian. Azour’s candidacy represents an alternative to the traditional political elites who have been accused of contributing to the country’s deep-rooted problems.
However, the nomination of Azour faces resistance from Hezbollah and its allies, who perceive him as a candidate aligned with the West and Gulf Arab states. Their opposition highlights the broader regional and sectarian divisions within Lebanon. Hezbollah officials have accused those delaying Franjieh’s nomination of prolonging the crisis and serving Western interests. The nomination of Azour could intensify political confrontations and deepen the existing divides in the country.
International Pressure and Concerns
The ongoing political paralysis in Lebanon has raised concerns among the international community, particularly the United States. Washington has expressed its consideration of imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials who continue to obstruct the election of a new president. The US has warned that the political deadlock could further exacerbate the economic crisis in Lebanon. The international community recognizes the urgent need for political stability and effective governance to address the country’s multiple challenges.
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Lebanon’s opposition parties, including independent and main Christian factions, have nominated Jihad Azour, an IMF official, as a candidate for the presidency. This nomination challenges Hezbollah-backed candidate Suleiman Franjieh and offers an alternative to the ruling political establishment. While Azour’s candidacy may present an opportunity to break the institutional paralysis and address the economic crisis, it also highlights the deep regional and sectarian divisions within Lebanon. The nomination of Azour and the resistance it faces from Hezbollah and its allies underscore the complex dynamics that continue to shape Lebanon’s political landscape. International pressure to resolve the political deadlock and concerns about the worsening crisis further underscore the urgency of finding a solution to Lebanon’s deep-rooted problems.
