President of the National Dialogue Party and MP Fouad Makhzoumi visited the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar al-Fatwa. They discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as matters concerning Beirut and its residents, particularly the elections of the Beirut Families Federation.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Eminence for his continued commitment to unity and consensus, his role in preserving Dar al-Fatwa as an inclusive national reference, and his efforts to ensure that Beirut and its residents remain above all divisions and political calculations. He affirmed that the strength of the community lies in its unity, moderation, and national role, which serve to strengthen the state and its institutions. He stressed that Dar al-Fatwa has been, and will remain, a unifying home for the people of Beirut and Lebanon, and a space for dialogue and understanding away from divisions.
Regarding the Beirut Families Federation elections, Makhzoumi noted that a large number of families have felt underrepresented for years. He emphasized that any federation bearing the name of Beirut’s families must serve as an inclusive home for all Beirut families, without exclusion or exception, and free from political and electoral calculations.
Makhzoumi stressed that Beirut is bigger than any electoral list or political group, and that its families are not merely numbers in ballot boxes. He explained that efforts to bridge differences and reach a consensus that would preserve family unity and spare them an electoral contest had not yielded the desired outcome. Consequently, he had taken a clear position of remaining equidistant from all candidates and electoral lists.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the families’ will, their freedom of choice, and the election results, as well as cooperating with those who earn their trust. He explained that the objective is not for one group to defeat another, but for Beirut and its families to emerge victorious. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the federation remains an inclusive home for all Beirut families, without exception or exclusion and free from any political exploitation.
At the national level, Makhzoumi noted that he had discussed with the Grand Mufti the developments and challenges facing Lebanon, foremost among them the need to complete the process of placing all weapons under state control and extending its authority over the entirety of Lebanese territory, in parallel with Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The ultimate goal, he stressed, is a sovereign state that exercises independent decision-making, with decisions on war and peace resting exclusively in the hands of its legitimate institutions.
Makhzoumi also discussed with His Eminence the reforms necessary to restore the confidence of the Lebanese people and the Arab and international communities in the state, protect depositors’ rights, and restore order and stability to state institutions and the economy, thereby paving the way for investment, economic growth, and job creation.
Makhzoumi affirmed that Beirut must remain safe, moderate, and open-minded, Arab in identity and national in its role, and a capital for all of Lebanon under the exclusive authority of the state and its legitimate institutions. He stressed the right of Beirut’s residents to fair representation, services befitting their needs, opportunities for their youth, and the restoration of the capital’s role and standing.
He concluded by affirming: “Our real battle is for Beirut and its people, and for a strong, sovereign state that protects all Lebanese, safeguards their rights and dignity, and secures their children’s future.”