Samir Geagea: Hezbollah’s Weapons Are Lebanon’s Core Disaster, and the Diaspora Vote Must Be Rescued

• Samir Geagea criticizes Hezbollah’s weapons as unconstitutional.
• He urges for disarmament for the future of Lebanon’s statehood.
• Geagea advocates for full parliamentary representation for expatriates.
• He emphasizes the need for reforms in the electoral process.
• Geagea rejects the threats of the Shiite bloc regarding government withdrawal.

Geagea Critiques Hezbollah’s Weapons and Their Consequences

In a compelling interview held earlier this month, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea outlined his views on Hezbollah’s weaponry and the voting rights of the Lebanese diaspora. Clarity shone through his message, especially regarding the assertion that Hezbollah’s arms are chiefly to blame for Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse. Geagea’s stance is that these weapons, vigorously defended by Hezbollah, are unconstitutional and pose a direct threat to Lebanon’s national cohesion, fundamentally undermining the 1989 Taif Agreement, which was meant to ensure peace and order in Lebanon.

No State Without Disarmament and Sovereignty

Geagea emphasized that without the disarmament of Hezbollah, true statehood remains unattainable, adding that this disarmament must extend from the southern parts of Lebanon all the way to the capital. He recalled the risks he faced years ago for merely advocating this point, noting how the regime in Syria at the time staunchly protected Hezbollah. As tensions simulate increasing hostility from regional neighbors, Geagea’s comments serve as a reminder of the complex political landscape, wherein he accused Hezbollah of fostering instability through its indiscriminate arms policy—harmful to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Reforming the Electoral Process for Expatriates

In discussing the diaspora vote, Geagea was particularly adamant that the current electoral law is outdated and inadequate for Lebanese expatriates. He reflected on past compromises made under political duress in 2017 that limited the number of parliamentary seats allocated for the expatriate community to just six, which he labeled a “fatal compromise.” He further proposed conducting a survey among Lebanese abroad to better ascertain their needs and desires regarding political representation. Geagea’s comments indicate a relentless push for reform that he believes is vital for restoring the faith of the diaspora in Lebanon’s political processes.

In summary, Samir Geagea’s interview articulated pointed criticisms regarding Hezbollah’s arms, the need for disarmament, and the urgent reform of the electoral process for the Lebanese diaspora. With clear admonitions about the risks of unchecked armament and outdated voting laws, he urged for a response aligned with Lebanese interests rather than external pressures. Furthermore, Geagea’s insistence on the necessity of robust dialogue within parliament suggests a determination toward reform and civic involvement in Lebanon’s precarious political sphere.