Geagea: Lebanon has completed 75% of the path towards restoring state authority
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Lebanon is closer than ever to establishing an effective state that exercises exclusive control over military and security decisions, estimating that the remaining steps could be completed within months rather than years.
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Lebanese Forces’ Keserwan Coordination Office in Maarab, Geagea said approximately 75% of the path towards restoring state authority had already been completed, stressing that the remaining phase must be achieved through Lebanese political will rather than foreign intervention.
He warned that relying on regional and international powers to complete the process could give external actors greater influence over Lebanon’s domestic decisions.
On the security front, Geagea played down the possibility of major internal unrest, saying that while limited demonstrations and disturbances could occur, no party was currently in a position to seriously destabilize the country.
However, he did not rule out further Israeli military developments against Lebanon, arguing that additional escalation could have been avoided had the necessary decisions and measures been taken.
Describing the current period as particularly difficult due to uncertainty over future developments, Geagea urged Lebanese citizens to remain determined, expressing confidence that the country was heading towards greater stability.
Turning to domestic politics, he stressed that Lebanese citizens must assume responsibility for the country’s future, arguing that voters cannot blame politicians for the country’s deterioration without acknowledging their own role in electing them.
He called on citizens to carefully assess political parties and candidates and exercise their electoral rights responsibly, emphasizing that meaningful change begins with the electorate.
Geagea also praised the Lebanese Forces’ volunteers and described the party as an important asset to the community, urging residents to preserve its role and political presence.
He concluded by expressing confidence in Lebanon’s ability to overcome its current challenges, praising those who have maintained their faith in the country despite years of crises and instability.
