French President Emmanuel Macron visited Lebanon to meet with newly elected leaders following a 14-month conflict with Hezbollah. The visit aims to support Lebanon’s recovery and discuss reforms amid ongoing economic and political challenges. Macron’s engagement focuses on strengthening international support and ensuring stability in the region.
French President Engages with Lebanon’s New Leadership
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday for talks with Lebanon’s newly elected leaders. This marks Macron’s first visit to the country in over four years. His trip follows a 60-day ceasefire deal brokered with French involvement, aimed at ending the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Macron met with Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun, whose leadership ended a two-year political stalemate. The president’s election paved the way for the appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a respected jurist and diplomat. Macron’s agenda includes meetings with both leaders to discuss international support and reforms needed to address Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crises.
Post-War Reconstruction and International Assistance
Lebanon’s leaders are focusing on rebuilding the country after the Israel-Hezbollah war, which claimed over 4,000 lives and injured 16,000. The conflict left significant devastation, particularly in southern Lebanon, where French peacekeepers are stationed as part of a UN mission. Macron is expected to visit this region during his trip.
International confidence is crucial for Lebanon to unlock reconstruction funds. In October, an international conference in Paris raised $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian and military aid. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati highlighted Macron’s continued commitment to Lebanon during their discussions at the airport, emphasizing the need for sustained economic and reconstruction support.
Macron also met with US and French officers on the ceasefire monitoring committee, which oversees the truce that began on November 27. The ceasefire agreement has raised hopes for stability and long-term peace in the region.
Calls for Reform and Governance
Macron has been a vocal critic of Lebanon’s political elite, attributing the country’s economic collapse to decades of corruption and mismanagement. Since October 2019, Lebanon has faced an economic crisis described by the World Bank as one of the worst in a century. Despite Macron’s persistent calls for reform, progress has been slow.
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have pledged to implement measures to stabilize the economy and reclaim areas of the country dominated by Hezbollah. Salam has committed to reducing Hezbollah’s influence, which has been a significant factor in Lebanon’s political landscape for years.
After meeting Macron, Mikati stated, “President Macron promised to maintain his support for Lebanon’s new government.” He added that discussions with Macron also touched on the role of international monitors in ensuring the ceasefire holds.
Challenges Ahead
The ceasefire, while offering a glimmer of hope, does not guarantee an end to all tensions. When asked whether France could ensure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territories by the end of the truce, Mikati said the matter is being addressed with US officials.
The war has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s influence. The group opposed Aoun and Salam’s leadership appointments, viewing them as a shift in Lebanon’s political alignment. Nevertheless, Macron’s visit underscores France’s commitment to Lebanon’s recovery and its broader role in ensuring regional stability.