Description: On 09 Jan 2025, the Lebanese Parliament elected General Joseph Aoun as their 14th President. The election ended a two-and-a-half-year vacancy in the Lebanese Presidency with plenty of political, security and socio – economical reforms waiting on implementation. Joseph Aoun had pledged to secure the country’s borders, enhance and strengthen the rule of law and reduce the Lebanese state’s untethered use of force within its ranks. Aoun’s priorities would comprise of securing the cease – fire agreement with Israel, establish continuity of government with the election of a Prime Minister, enlarge the national dialogue with Hezbollah and facilitate economic growth merging the private, state and international factors in the Lebanese economic landscape.
Impact: Lebanon having found itself entrenched under Iranian and Syrian state influence in several spheres still faces significant challenges ahead of a fluid geopolitical situation in the Middle East. With Iran almost being regionally defeated and Syria finding itself in a post – Assad era, Lebanon could emerge as an independent factor of not such high relevance but yet a factor which could influence the shaping of the regional geopolitical situation and further socio – economic prospects. Aoun would face serious challenges since it wasn’t supported by Hezbollah Parliament members, however gained international credibility and support. With ensuring continuity of government and working towards cease – fire with Israel, Aoun could ensure severe restructuring of the Lebanese state.