Frem Officially Announces His Candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic

The Chairman of Project Watan’s Executive Board, MP Neemat Frem, officially announced his candidacy for the Lebanese presidency, expressing his readiness to assume this national responsibility based on several principles he outlined during a press conference.  

“After three years of diligent work within Project Watan on more than forty axes related to building a new Lebanon and rebuilding institutions, and in light of the developments our country and the region have witnessed, as well as the designation of January 9, 2025, as the date for the presidential election, I see a new dawn, in every sense of the word, rising in Lebanon and the Middle East,” he said.

He added: “This dawn offers us a precious opportunity that we must seize quickly, as it may not last long. We are all acutely aware of the magnitude of opportunities squandered over more than 20 years, leaving Lebanon teetering on the brink of collapse.”

Frem continued: “Therefore, after my name has been raised as a natural presidential candidate for some time now, I officially announce today, in the name of Project Watan, my candidacy for the Lebanese presidency and my readiness to assume this national responsibility, based on the following principles:

1. The implementation of the “Cessation of Hostilities” agreement as a mechanism for enforcing U.N. Resolution 1701 in all its provisions, along with all other related U.N. Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon. This will be done under the legitimate authority of the presidency, serving as a cornerstone for ensuring stability.
2. Forming a mission-oriented government tasked with the serious and full implementation of Resolution 1701, consolidating arms under legitimate state forces alone, building trust in these forces, and providing them with the necessary support and equipment.
3. Endorsing the comprehensive reform and rescue plan developed by Project Watan for building a new Lebanon. Priorities for this phase include:

• Implementing and then developing the Taif Agreement.
• Planning and executing reconstruction plans.
• Ensuring decent social protection.
• Achieving financial recovery and safeguarding depositors’ rights.
• Upholding the independence of the judiciary.
• Restructuring the administration, modernizing the state’s operational system, and achieving decentralization.
• Addressing the Syrian displacement crisis.
• Producing a modern electoral law.
• Pursuing comprehensive reforms to maximize productivity and ensure full transparency across all sectors.
• Restoring confidence and credibility to attract capital and investments while creating job opportunities.

4. Commitment to building a state characterized by productive and pioneering institutions that deliver advanced and modern services. I call on all Lebanese, especially expatriates, to join this rescue and reform effort, either directly or through the open electronic platform soon to be launched by Project Watan. This platform aims to transform individual successes into collective achievements by leveraging all available talents and expertise.

Based on these principles and common grounds, I renew my commitment to placing human happiness, dignity, and self-fulfillment at the core of my project – working towards a stable present and a safer, more prosperous, and productive second centenary for Lebanon.

I hope this vision earns the support of parliamentary blocs and my fellow MPs. And as the saying goes, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”