Project Watan: The Oath of Office Opens a Foundational Chapter for Lebanon in its Second Centenary

Project Watan’s Executive Board held its weekly meeting, chaired by MP Neemat Frem and attended by all members, to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon – developments that led to the election of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic and the designation of Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice, to form the first government of the new era.

At the end of the meeting, the following statement was issued:

• Project Watan congratulated the Lebanese people on the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic. The Board highlighted the significance of this event, which ended a deadly period of institutional vacuum, had a profound positive impact on citizens, and marked Lebanon’s strong comeback to its natural role and its Arab and international relations after years of isolation.
• Project Watan reflected on the oath of office and its content, deeming it a comprehensive governance program that encapsulated the aspirations of the Lebanese people and resonated deeply with their sentiments, expressing their long-suppressed ambitions and rightful aspirations that had been stifled for years. The Board also considered that the speech opens a bright and foundational chapter for Lebanon in its second centenary. It is viewed as a unique opportunity to rebuild the state on solid, modern, and proper foundations, paving the way for a promising future.
• While awaiting the formation of a government that meets aspirations and matches expectations following Judge Nawaf Salam’s designation, Project Watan commended the process of his designation that began with a wave of domestic support aimed at maintaining the momentum of the presidential election and was later reinforced by Arab and international backing, solidifying the new path Lebanon has embarked upon.
• Project Watan stressed that adopting a new electoral law is essential to transforming the current situation and initiating a new and different political life in Lebanon. The Board emphasized the importance of enacting a law that separates politics and politicians from the appointment of first-category public servants, as part of an approach that promises a reformist mindset in managing governance and state affairs, where allegiance is to the state and focused on serving the Lebanese people.