Rai steps in to clear way for Frangieh election

In 2015, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai played a pivotal role in attempting to resolve Lebanon’s prolonged presidential vacancy, which had lasted for 18 months. Patriarch Rai intervened to mediate between conflicting Christian political parties to pave the way for the election of Sleiman Frangieh as Lebanon’s president.

Frangieh, a leader of the Marada Movement and an ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, emerged as a strong candidate following discussions with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Hariri’s endorsement of Frangieh was part of a broader initiative to break the political deadlock that had left Lebanon without a president and crippled its executive and legislative branches.

Patriarch Rai’s efforts included bringing together leaders from the main Christian parties, such as the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, and the Kataeb Party, to seek a consensus on Frangieh’s candidacy. Despite initial resistance from these parties, Rai’s mediation aimed to unify their stances and eliminate obstacles to electing a president.

In addition to local efforts, French President Francois Hollande also supported Frangieh’s bid, further highlighting the international dimension of the Lebanese presidential election. Hollande’s backing underscored France’s interest in stabilizing Lebanon through a consensual political solution.

Rai’s mediation efforts and international support were crucial in creating a potential path forward for Lebanon to overcome its political impasse and elect a new president.