Samir Geagea Calls for Disarmament and Reform in Lebanese Politics

• Samir Geagea criticizes Hezbollah’s arms as unconstitutional.
• Hezbollah’s weapons are blamed for Lebanon’s economic collapse.
• Geagea demands disarmament for the establishment of a real state.
• Geagea advocates for expatriates to vote for full parliamentary representation.
• He calls the current electoral law a fatal compromise for diaspora votes.

Geagea Critiques Hezbollah’s Arms and Their Impact on Lebanon

In an exclusive interview held under unyielding fog at his headquarters, Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Forces, unleashed a scathing indictment of Hezbollah, labeling its weapons as the fundamental disaster plaguing Lebanon. Geagea argued that these arms are unconstitutional and primarily responsible for the country’s ongoing economic decline and political dysfunction. In his forthright remarks to Al-Quds Al-Arabi, he emphasized that Hezbollah’s arsenal was never sanctioned by the 1989 Taif Agreement, casting a long shadow over Lebanon’s constitution and unity as a nation. “This arsenal monopolizes strategic decisions and has forced Hezbollah into alliances with some of the most corrupt entities, all just to safeguard its weapons,” Geagea said, highlighting how the country’s fortunes plummeted from a once-thriving hub known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ to a chaotic environment marked by drug trafficking and rampant smuggling along unpatrolled borders.

Disarmament as a Necessary Step for Statehood

Geagea reminded listeners about his own past persecution—he was imprisoned in 1994 for advocating the same disarmament he now calls for, underscoring how deeply intertwined Hezbollah and Syria’s regime have been. “A legitimate state cannot exist until Hezbollah relinquishes its weapons from Jouya to Ain al-Remmaneh,” he sternly stated. He challenged the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, countering claims of creating balance: “Stop pretending. Your weapons are not creating balance; they’re provoking attacks,” he said. Adding to the discourse, he jeered at statements made by Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad regarding disarmament being initiated from the south of the Litani River, arguing this was unattainable as Israeli attacks continue with impunity.

Calls for Reform in Electoral Representation and Parliamentary Practices

Moving on to the topic of Lebanese expats having a voice in the electoral process, Geagea expressed frustration over the outdated electoral laws and highlighted a deal made under former President Michel Aoun that capped the representation of expatriates. The current provision allows only six parliamentary seats for the diaspora—a compromise Geagea deems fatal. “Why facilitate just six seats for expatriates while excluding them from impacting the full 128 MPs?” he questioned. To address this, he proposed a formal poll to gauge the expat community’s desires. His harsh critique extended to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whom he accused of deceitful practices regarding the push for quick laws without sufficient debate, especially regarding the amended Article 112, which currently restricts voting rights for Lebanese citizens abroad. Glaring discrepancies in election management, he argued, posed a real threat to the integrity of Lebanon’s democratic processes.

In summary, Samir Geagea has articulated a compelling case against Hezbollah’s armament, spotlighting the danger they pose to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. His call for disarmament is poised as essential for establishing a functional state, echoing an urgency felt across much of the Lebanese society. Additionally, his vehement advocacy for reforming expatriate voting rights indicates a commitment to enhancing democratic participation, critiquing current leadership’s ineffectiveness and the need for credible and robust electoral laws.