Watch: Gemayel Calls for State Monopoly Over Weapons and Electoral Transparency
2/26/2026 5:59:59 PM
MP Nadim Gemayel told MTV that the time has come to build a state that guarantees real stability and allows people to live in safety, optimism, and prosperity, while keeping Lebanon in step with regional developments.
Gemayel expressed regret over Lebanon’s lag compared to the progress seen in many countries, saying that Lebanon is becoming confined within narrow political and social pathways. He stressed that the main struggle today is for Lebanon to remain open to the world and to launch development from Lebanon toward the Arab world, especially in light of changes taking place across the region, calling for a new national plan for Lebanon’s future openness and advancement.
Regarding the impact of weapons on parliamentary elections, Gemayel stressed that weapons represent a direct threat to state stability and political life, noting that over the past two decades they have influenced many electoral and political milestones. He recalled the assassination of Minister Mohammad Chatah the day after the formation of Saad Hariri’s government. He added that these weapons affect regions where the party has influence over the Shiite vote, preventing independent Shiites from freely running for parliament or expressing their political choices.
He stressed that free elections cannot take place while weapons remain, pointing to regional developments and insisting that the party must permanently hand over its weapons to ensure transparent elections.
Gemayel also said that weapons have been used domestically more than against Israel, referring to assassinations, government formations, the “black shirts” incident, and the Tayyouneh events, arguing that these actions have influenced the course of justice.
On the electoral law, Gemayel warned that there are four major legal issues that could lead to challenges before the Constitutional Council or the State Council, potentially creating a constitutional vacuum. He called on the government to be transparent with the Lebanese people about whether it is capable of holding elections, including its plans regarding the 16th electoral district, the ability of the Ministry of Interior to conduct voting abroad, and the status of the "Megacenter" and the magnetic voting card.
Commenting on calls to replace the Foreign Minister, Gemayel said that some parties oppose him because he adopts national positions, noting that Minister Raggi does not express a personal stance but rather the official Lebanese position and speaks on behalf of state legitimacy. He added that Hezbollah is not accustomed to such positions and is determined to replace him, but he stressed that the minister is an essential part of the government, saying: “They may change the government, but Raggi will remain.”
Regarding the risk of dragging Lebanon into a new war, Gemayel said that statements from Hezbollah officials, including Naim Qassem, suggested that the group would intervene if Iran’s Supreme Leader were targeted, warning that this could embroil Lebanon in a major crisis. He questioned what the Lebanese state would do in response, asking why the government does not summon the Iranian ambassador and hold him accountable by asking how the Iranian Revolutionary Guard could announce plans to strike Hamat Airport.
On Israeli attacks targeting infrastructure and airports, he expressed fear for the Lebanese people and villages, warning that Lebanon might pay the price for an Iranian system that exports a revolution he said is unrelated to political life, stressing that the greatest losses would be economic, especially considering what was witnessed during the recent war.
On the electoral alliance with the Lebanese Forces, Gemayel said that the file is still under study and discussion, noting that each electoral district has its own particularities. He added that while electoral alliances are important, coordination remains the priority. He reiterated the importance of a political alliance that would provide a strong foundation for future cooperation inside Parliament, noting that electoral lists will not be finalized until the candidate registration period closes.
Addressing his message to Beirut voters and those affected by the August 4 blast, Gemayel said that Lebanon is still paying the price for what happened in Tayyouneh, praising the efforts of the Minister of Justice in this case. He indicated that the issuance of the indictment decision is becoming imminent, stressing that the Beirut port explosion is not a routine judicial case but one aimed at determining responsibility; whic starts with identifying who brought in the ammonium nitrate, who detonated it, and who was behind the operation, noting that those who stored it had criminal intent and hoping that a ruling would be issued soon.
Gemayel expressed regret over Lebanon’s lag compared to the progress seen in many countries, saying that Lebanon is becoming confined within narrow political and social pathways. He stressed that the main struggle today is for Lebanon to remain open to the world and to launch development from Lebanon toward the Arab world, especially in light of changes taking place across the region, calling for a new national plan for Lebanon’s future openness and advancement.
Regarding the impact of weapons on parliamentary elections, Gemayel stressed that weapons represent a direct threat to state stability and political life, noting that over the past two decades they have influenced many electoral and political milestones. He recalled the assassination of Minister Mohammad Chatah the day after the formation of Saad Hariri’s government. He added that these weapons affect regions where the party has influence over the Shiite vote, preventing independent Shiites from freely running for parliament or expressing their political choices.
He stressed that free elections cannot take place while weapons remain, pointing to regional developments and insisting that the party must permanently hand over its weapons to ensure transparent elections.
Gemayel also said that weapons have been used domestically more than against Israel, referring to assassinations, government formations, the “black shirts” incident, and the Tayyouneh events, arguing that these actions have influenced the course of justice.
On the electoral law, Gemayel warned that there are four major legal issues that could lead to challenges before the Constitutional Council or the State Council, potentially creating a constitutional vacuum. He called on the government to be transparent with the Lebanese people about whether it is capable of holding elections, including its plans regarding the 16th electoral district, the ability of the Ministry of Interior to conduct voting abroad, and the status of the "Megacenter" and the magnetic voting card.
Commenting on calls to replace the Foreign Minister, Gemayel said that some parties oppose him because he adopts national positions, noting that Minister Raggi does not express a personal stance but rather the official Lebanese position and speaks on behalf of state legitimacy. He added that Hezbollah is not accustomed to such positions and is determined to replace him, but he stressed that the minister is an essential part of the government, saying: “They may change the government, but Raggi will remain.”
Regarding the risk of dragging Lebanon into a new war, Gemayel said that statements from Hezbollah officials, including Naim Qassem, suggested that the group would intervene if Iran’s Supreme Leader were targeted, warning that this could embroil Lebanon in a major crisis. He questioned what the Lebanese state would do in response, asking why the government does not summon the Iranian ambassador and hold him accountable by asking how the Iranian Revolutionary Guard could announce plans to strike Hamat Airport.
On Israeli attacks targeting infrastructure and airports, he expressed fear for the Lebanese people and villages, warning that Lebanon might pay the price for an Iranian system that exports a revolution he said is unrelated to political life, stressing that the greatest losses would be economic, especially considering what was witnessed during the recent war.
On the electoral alliance with the Lebanese Forces, Gemayel said that the file is still under study and discussion, noting that each electoral district has its own particularities. He added that while electoral alliances are important, coordination remains the priority. He reiterated the importance of a political alliance that would provide a strong foundation for future cooperation inside Parliament, noting that electoral lists will not be finalized until the candidate registration period closes.
Addressing his message to Beirut voters and those affected by the August 4 blast, Gemayel said that Lebanon is still paying the price for what happened in Tayyouneh, praising the efforts of the Minister of Justice in this case. He indicated that the issuance of the indictment decision is becoming imminent, stressing that the Beirut port explosion is not a routine judicial case but one aimed at determining responsibility; whic starts with identifying who brought in the ammonium nitrate, who detonated it, and who was behind the operation, noting that those who stored it had criminal intent and hoping that a ruling would be issued soon.