Joseph Aoun Elected President of Lebanon

On January 9, 2025, Lebanon's parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, filling a vacancy that had persisted since October 2022. His election reflects a significant shift in the political landscape, showcasing diminished Iranian influence and a resurgence of Saudi and U.S. support in Lebanon following Hezbollah's losses in the recent conflict with Israel. Aoun secured 99 votes in a second round of voting after Hezbollah's long-preferred candidate withdrew and backed him. This election is seen as a pivotal moment to restore governmental functions in a country grappling with severe economic challenges and widespread political instability. The president's role is crucial for establishing a new government capable of implementing necessary reforms amid ongoing international pressure for stability. Joseph Aoun's election marks a potential turning point in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system, which typically reserves the presidency for a Maronite Christian.