Latest news with #StrongLebanon
National News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Berri broaches developments with MPs Sehnaoui and Traboulsi., receives American law firm delegation, former minister Aridi
NNA - House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Tuesday received at the second presidency headquarters in Ain El Tineh, 'Strong Lebanon' parliamentary bloc MPs Nicolas Sehnaoui and Edgar Traboulsi. The meeting addressed the latest political and field developments as well as legislative affairs. On emerging, MP Traboulsi said, 'We discussed with the Speaker the issue of the Beirut Municipality and preserving diversity and parity, and we reviewed some of the law proposals in Parliament,' adding that they sensed Speaker Berri's absolute keenness on maintaining national unity, and preserving diversity and true parity in the Beirut Municipality. Speaker Berri later received in Ain El-Tineh, a delegation from the American international law firm 'Squires Patton Boggs', led by Attorney Ghassan Baloul, partner and member of the company's board of directors and head of its sector in the Middle East region. Discussions reportedly touched on the situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as political and field developments. The delegation highlighted the pivotal role the firm plays in providing legal and strategic advice to the countries it represents. They noted that the firm's bureau's presence in Beirut reflects its commitment to supporting Lebanon and its reform path.. Regional and international developments were also discussed, with emphasis on "the importance of Lebanon's position and its vital role in the region." This afternoon, Speaker Berri received former Minister Ghazi Aridi, with whom he discussed the general situation and political developments. ================= L.Y
LBCI
03-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Will Beirut's municipal elections break tradition? Here's what we know
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian After three delays, each for a different reason, Lebanon is expected to hold municipal elections starting May 4, divided into four phases. As with previous elections, concerns have resurfaced regarding the preservation of sectarian balance within the Beirut Municipal Council. The council, made up of 24 members, traditionally consists of Muslims and Christians, despite Muslims making up roughly 70% of Beirut's electorate, making them the largest voting bloc. This imbalance has never affected the sectarian balance in the council. Historically, elections have been held through strong lists that include all political forces, ensuring no one could bypass the system under the majority system. However, today, the fear is growing. The Future Movement has yet to clarify its electoral stance despite its leader's announcement of his return to politics. The Christian presence in the capital has also dwindled, further exacerbating fears that Muslims could dominate the entire municipal council, especially if multiple lists are formed, with winners primarily from one sect. With one month left until the municipal elections, discussions are intensifying, and several proposals have emerged. One proposal is to hold elections based on a closed, complete list system, ensuring sectarian balance, as suggested by MPs Waddah Sadek and Mark Daou. Another idea is to divide Beirut into two municipalities under what is called the Beirut Municipality, or adopting the first and second parliamentary districts, as they were before 1997. These proposals were put forward by the Strong Lebanon bloc. A proposal put forward by MP Hagop Terzian suggested that each district select its own candidates. Another suggestion is to create a single list that includes all political forces, with Sunni groups, holding the "electoral key," leading the effort. As weeks pass and the municipal elections approach, the question remains: Will the principle of sectarian balance hold, or will Beirut surprise everyone?
Tayyar.org
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Tayyar.org
'Strong Lebanon': What is happening on Lebanon's northeastern border requires the utmost political mobilization
The 'Strong Lebanon' Bloc held its regular meeting, chaired by MP Gebran Bassil, during which it discussed its agenda and issued the following statement: 1. The situation unfolding along Lebanon's northeastern border is a serious threat to national security and stability. This demands the highest level of political mobilization to halt the escalation and enforce the rule of law in order to safeguard Lebanon's territory, borders, people, and economy. 2. The Bloc supports the government's efforts to adopt a framework for public sector appointments, in line with mechanisms previously approved by earlier governments. However, the Bloc warns against adopting any mechanism that violates the constitution, particularly one that was entirely annulled by the Constitutional Council in the past. 3. The Bloc strongly condemns the ongoing daily Israeli aggression against Lebanon, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu's declared refusal to withdraw from the occupied positions. It also expresses deep concern over the Lebanese government's continued failure to take a clear and firm stance on these developments and their underlying causes. Additionally, the Bloc denounces Israel's renewed attacks on Gaza, including the bombing of civilian areas, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, in blatant disregard of international and humanitarian law.
National News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Bassil, Russian ambassador discuss developments in Lebanon and region
NNA - Free Patriotic Movement Chief, Head of 'Strong Lebanon' bloc, MP Gebran Bassil, on Wednesday received Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, accompanied by accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Maxim Romanov. The meeting took place in the presence of former MP Amal Abou Zeid and FPM's International Relations Bureau member, Bashir Haddad. The discussion reportedly addressed developments in Lebanon, Syria, and the region, in general, and how to deal with their repercussions.
Iraqi News
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
The Lebanese Parliament grants confidence to Nawaf Salam's government
The Lebanese Parliament voted today, Wednesday, to grant confidence to Nawaf Salam's government by calling for 95 votes, against 12 no confidence and 4 abstentions, while the Strong Lebanon bloc withheld confidence from the government.
