Samir Geagea: Hezbollah’s Weapons Are Lebanon’s Core Disaster

• Samir Geagea blames Hezbollah’s weapons for Lebanon’s collapse.
• Hezbollah’s arms violate Lebanon’s constitution according to Geagea.
• Disarming Hezbollah is crucial for restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty.
• Geagea pushes for full voting rights for the Lebanese diaspora.
• He criticizes the current electoral law as outdated and restrictive.

Geagea Blames Hezbollah for Lebanon’s Collapse

In a recent interview, Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of Lebanon. He placed strong blame on Hezbollah, emphasizing that their weapons are, in his view, the core disaster facing Lebanon today. Geagea articulated a need for disarmament, making it clear that Hezbollah’s arms are unconstitutional and have played a pivotal role in the country’s ongoing collapse. He pointed out that these weapons not only threaten Lebanese sovereignty but have also transformed Lebanon from a promising nation into a hub for smuggling and drug production, with unregulated borders.

Disarmament Essential for Real State

Geagea argued passionately that disarmament is crucial for restoring Lebanon as a true state. He recounted historical instances, like his imprisonment in 1994, rooted in his stance against Hezbollah’s arsenal, which he claims never had a legitimate basis in the 1989 Taif Agreement. Furthermore, he sharply criticized Hezbollah’s public declarations of resisting threats, stating that their weapons provoke rather than ensure balance. His comments were pointed directly at Sheikh Naim Qassem, condemning the continued militaristic rhetoric and calling for Hezbollah to acknowledge the implications of their actions on Lebanon’s security.

Lebanese Diaspora Voting Rights Under Scrutiny

Touching on the topic of Lebanese expatriate voting rights, Geagea voiced strong concerns regarding the 1960 electoral law. He lamented compromises made in 2017 which limited expatriates to just six parliamentary seats, remarking that this undermines the voting power of the Lebanese diaspora. His policy suggestion emphasizes allowing the expatriates to have a say in all 128 parliamentary seats rather than a mere token presence. To this end, Geagea proposed the government undertake a proper survey to gauge the diaspora’s wants, asserting that meaningful representation requires much more than the limited scope currently in place.

Geagea’s fiery remarks show his strong opposition to Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s issues, linking their weapons directly to the country’s deterioration. His advocacy for diaspora voting rights reflects a desire for better representation of Lebanese abroad. The overall message from Geagea is clear: without disarmament and genuine political reform, Lebanon’s struggles are far from over.