Joseph Aoun, a low-profile army chief, has been elected as Lebanon’s president amid controversy over his candidacy. The 61-year-old, who is from a Christian village in southern Lebanon, maintained a reputation for being non-partisan during his time as commander of the Lebanese army.
Aoun’s election was met with both celebrations and opposition, particularly from within his own community. Some have argued that it violates the country’s constitution, while others believe external pressure from countries like the US and Saudi Arabia may have influenced the outcome.
Despite these concerns, Aoun has been hailed as a stabilizing force for Lebanon. His supporters say he is a kind and compassionate leader who wants to take care of business without getting involved in politics. Analysts describe him as a “very direct guy” with high moral standards, which helped him prevent mass defections during the country’s economic crisis.
Aoun’s leadership has been tested by several crises, including the 2019 protests, the Beirut port explosion, and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The army’s response to these challenges, particularly in coordinating with Hezbollah, has raised questions about Aoun’s ability to navigate Lebanon’s complex sectarian landscape.
As president, Aoun will face significant challenges, from rebuilding the economy to addressing social unrest. His humble background and deeply religious nature have been cited as key factors that could help him unite a divided nation. However, concerns remain about his election process and whether it represents a shift in Lebanon’s power dynamics.
Aoun’s election is seen as an opportunity for him to implement reforms and steer the country towards stability. With international backing, he will need to balance competing interests and interests while navigating Lebanon’s delicate sectarian politics.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/joseph-aoun-lebanon-president-profile-0278e57a79e7d7a0985653aeae700dd4