Latest news with #Matn
LBCI
26-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Bassil says the FPM remains a major political force
Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader MP Gebran Bassil said municipal union elections are not solely about local development but are increasingly taking on a political dimension. He pointed to the FPM's recent victory in the Matn municipal union as the opening chapter in a broader electoral push. Turning to the southern district of Jezzine, Bassil remarked, "Watch with us how the Jezzine chapter will end. The Lebanese Forces claim they lost the city but won the union, while I say we won most of Jezzine's municipalities, and the union result will speak for itself." Bassil reaffirmed his party's commitment to supporting municipalities at both the local and national levels, highlighting two main priorities: the Syrian refugee issue and expanded administrative decentralization. He dismissed suggestions of his party's decline, asserting, "The FPM remains a major political force. Claims of its end are baseless. We are significantly stronger in these municipal elections compared to 2016." Bassil concluded by emphasizing that the FPM had once again demonstrated its presence and strength in Jezzine and South Lebanon whether through municipal councils or local mukhtars.
LBCI
26-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Mirna Murr elected head of Matn municipal union in 22–11 vote
Bteghrine Mayor Mirna Murr was elected president of the Matn Union of Municipalities on Monday, securing 22 votes against her opponent's 11.
LBCI
25-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
In Lebanon's Matn, the municipal union battle heats up — can development stay above politics?
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Municipal and mukhtar elections are over, but the battle has shifted to a new stage: municipal unions. The main contest is between Mirna Murr, the current union president and mayor of Bteghrine, and Nicole Gemayel. The union includes 33 municipalities. To assume the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 17 votes. According to some observers, this year's municipal union elections differ from previous ones. With Lebanon heading into parliamentary elections in 2026, municipal unions are increasingly viewed as platforms for delivering services and resources that can strengthen a candidate's political and developmental influence. Sources close to Mirna Murr told LBCI that municipal unions are not political tools for any party but unified development bodies focused on serving the public—not on promoting electoral slogans. Still, the contest has taken on a distinctly political tone. The same sources also reported that Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel has two main objectives in this race: to launch a "political elimination campaign" against the Murr family and to take control of municipalities by bringing mayors under his authority—making party members the key decision-makers and gatekeepers of public services, ultimately paving the way for full municipal dominance. All eyes will be on Matn on Monday for a pivotal vote—one that could shape the district's trajectory for the next six years, not only in terms of development but politically as well.
