Lebanon’s lawmakers elected Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president on Thursday, filling the two-year vacancy in a move aimed at addressing the nation’s severe financial crisis. The 61-year-old army chief was sworn in before a cheering parliament, marking a significant moment in Lebanon’s history. Dressed in a suit rather than his military uniform, Aoun pledged to steer the country toward stability, with a focus on securing a ceasefire in southern Lebanon and appointing a new prime minister to lead necessary reforms.
Aoun emphasized his commitment to ensuring that only the state holds a monopoly on weapons, following the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah. He also vowed to prioritize discussions on a comprehensive defense strategy to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Celebrations erupted in Aoun’s hometown of Aishiyeh, where residents expressed hope for peace and progress. Aoun was officially announced president after receiving the backing of 99 out of 128 lawmakers in the Lebanese parliament. He becomes the fifth army commander to hold the presidency, continuing a trend of military leaders in the role.
