Saad al-Hariri's Political Comeback: A New Chapter in Lebanese Politics

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, a notable figure in Lebanon's political landscape, confirmed on Saturday that his party is set to participate in the forthcoming elections, four years after his retreat from politics.

In a poignant address marking the 21st anniversary of the assassination of his father, Rafik al-Hariri, Saad rallied his supporters in Beirut, emphasizing that their voices would resonate in the ballot box. Despite ambiguity around his personal candidacy, his appeal among Lebanon's Sunni Muslims remains unwavering. The scene at Beirut’s Martyrs Square was vibrant, with masses waving flags and chanting his name passionately.

Hariri, who withdrew from politics in 2022, had previously opted out his Future Movement from participating in the parliamentary vote, citing Iranian sway over the nation, a thinly veiled reference to Hezbollah. Although weakened after a 2024 conflict with Israel, Hezbollah's influence persists, currently facing international pressure to disarm. Hariri's return to the political arena could potentially reshape Lebanon's parliamentary dynamics, particularly within the Sunni Muslim representation that was fragmented due to his party's absence in the 2022 elections.