For his first visit to the West since his election in January, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is being received this Friday, March 28, by Emmanuel MacronA highly symbolic meeting for a country in ruins, which is trying to emerge from political, economic and security chaos.
This is a strong political signal. At the invitation of Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is making an official visit to Paris this Friday, the first diplomatic stop of his term. Having come to power in early January after two years of institutional paralysis, the former army chief is now seen as a hope for recovery in a bled-dry Lebanon. He has promised structural reforms, particularly in banking, the judiciary, and the fight against corruption, to pull the country out of a multifaceted crisis that has dragged on since 2019.
France, which was heavily involved in the process that led to the election of Joseph Aoun and the formation of the reformist government of Nawaf Salam, has pledged to organize an international conference for the reconstruction of Lebanon. However, the date has yet to be set. In an interview with Figaro, the Lebanese president expressed his gratitude to Paris, which he described as the "protective mother" of Lebanon, calling for increased support to enable Beirut to regain its full sovereignty.
Economic reforms and disarmament of Hezbollah
On the economic front, Aoun promises "reforms, more reforms, more reforms" to regain the trust of international donors, including the IMF. Crucial laws are expected: lifting banking secrecy, restructuring the banking sector, and financial transparency. These measures have long been awaited by the international community... and have been consistently blocked until now by a Lebanese "deep state" made up of alliances between politicians, business circles, and media outlets.
Another explosive issue: the gradual disarmament of Hezbollah, as provided for in the ceasefire agreement with Israel. Joseph Aoun assures that his army is taking action, citing the dismantling of several armed camps, the seizure of arsenals south of the Litani River, and the urgent need to strengthen military personnel. He reiterates that only the Lebanese state should have a monopoly on armed force, a statement that contrasts with the authorities' past ambiguities.
While the task remains colossal, President Aoun has clearly changed his tone and direction compared to his predecessors. Faced with a country ravaged by crisis and undermined by emigration, particularly among young people and Christians, he calls for the reconstruction of a "citizen state" free from communal logic. He also pledges to guarantee Lebanon's neutrality, far from the regional tutelage that has so often paralyzed its sovereignty. It remains to be seen whether France—and its partners—will be able to transform this breath of fresh air into a genuine rescue plan.
