Lasting Image of Frangieh Among Aounists

Lebanon Debate - Mohammad el-Madani

Two fundamental Christian parties, the Lebanese Forces and al-Kataeb were not present at the meeting that held in Bkerki in presence of Secretary General of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. This absence does not bode well and raises concerns, especially after reaching a point of rupture among Christian parties, approaching a point where coexistence seems difficult.

The Christian political scene did not witness such disputes even back when the Taif Agreement was agreed upon. Samir Geagea and Sami Gemayel's absence from the meeting sends a clear message from the Maronite leaders to the Vatican State: the Lebanese crisis cannot be resolved through meetings and agreements alone. It underscores that there are forces in Lebanon aiming to diminish the Christian role, opposing decisions made by the current ruling team that persist in their efforts.

However, some speculate that the absence of Geagea and Gemayel is due to personal differences with the other Maronite duo: Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Marada party, and Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement. Information suggests that Geagea chose to not attend as part of a previous decision he made, vowing to never sit at the same table as Gebran Bassil. Which is also the case for Gemayel when it comes to Frangieh.

While today's meeting held more symbolic than practical significance, the image resulting from it holds considerable sway over the ongoing political and presidential contest. Geagea and Gemayel refused to “normalize” with their political adversaries, Bassil and the presidential candidate Frangieh, even if it is just formal.

However, this did not obscure the importance of the image that brought together Frangieh and Bassil from which Frangieh came out winning. It increasingly portrayed him, particularly among Aounists, not as an adversary but as someone capable of natural interaction with the leader of their movement. This has reduced reservations among Aounists towards Frangieh and reinforced confidence in his potential performance if he were to assume the presidency.

Regarding Bassil, this image was enough for him to enhance his portrayal as a politician who is actively engaged and striving to alter perceptions, at least superficially, through his meetings and initiatives, despite still lacking significant political alliances.

Despite private meetings away from the media, the Vatican Secretary General was unable to reconcile the division among Christian party leaders. This will increase the accountability of current Christian leaders for the critical state of Christian affairs. Their collective failure, along with the perceived shortcomings of Bkerki and the Vatican's collaborative role, could significantly undermine the future impact and effectiveness of the Christian role in Lebanon.

صورة تركها فرنجية في أذهان "العونيين"