Bassil Claims FPM ‘Stronger’ After Departure of 4 MPs

Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Jebran Bassil recently discussed the internal disagreements that led to the resignation or expulsion of four MPs from the party, emphasizing that numerous efforts were made to keep them within the movement, provided they remained committed.

In an interview with OTV, Bassil expressed confidence in the FPM’s future, asserting, “The FPM will grow stronger and continue to champion major Lebanese causes.”

He pointed out that the four MPs had shown mutual solidarity, which negatively affected the unity of the FPM. Bassil explained that this divide began to form after the 2022 elections, when the MPs failed to meet electoral obligations, eventually organizing themselves into a group with a distinct name.

Bassil clarified that none of the four MPs had sought leadership of the FPM in the 2019 or 2023 presidential races. “If they were dissatisfied with my leadership, one of them should have run for the presidency. If there was an issue with the system, why didn’t anyone propose changes?” he questioned.

He went on to suggest that previous resignations from the FPM stemmed from personal ambitions for positions that were not attained. Addressing the FPM’s internal decision-making, Bassil acknowledged that the party follows a presidential structure but emphasized that all decisions are made collaboratively through consultations and consensus.

Regarding the FPM’s stance on the Lebanese presidential file, Bassil said he consulted the MPs and arrived at decisions through mutual agreement. He also criticized the MPs for their lack of action during the October 17 anti-government uprising, calling their behavior part of a broader campaign against the FPM.

Despite the challenges, Bassil assured that the FPM had emerged stronger from these internal struggles. He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline without becoming overly authoritarian, adding that diversity of opinions would still be respected within the party.

Responding to Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea’s comments that the FPM’s fragmentation would benefit Lebanon as a whole, Bassil countered by asserting that the Lebanese Forces should continue to exist as a political entity, regardless of Geagea’s leadership, adding a pointed reference to the well-known opinion of LF founder Bashir Gemayel about Geagea.