Joelle Bou Abboud, a member of the Kataeb Party's Political Bureau, expressed her heartfelt congratulations to President Joseph Aoun on his election, emphasizing that this moment marks the beginning of a new era of reform, the restoration of sovereignty, and prosperity for Lebanon.

In an interview with LBCI, Bou Abboud highlighted that Aoun's election follows two years of presidential vacancy, a period that she believes deeply affected the country.

"We’ve been waiting for a president for two years, and we’ve longed to see a leader who could guide the country toward much-needed change," she said.

Bou Abboud also addressed the constitutional process that led to Aoun's election, noting the Kataeb Party's initial preference for a constitutional amendment. However, she acknowledged that exceptional circumstances sometimes necessitate deviations from standard procedures.

“We would have preferred a constitutional amendment done properly,” she said. “But the urgency of the situation sometimes leads to compromises.”

She went on to criticize the selective application of laws in Lebanon, which she believes has contributed to the current political deadlock.

"For decades, we've seen officials disregard the constitution. Selective law enforcement has led us to where we are now. But wasn’t the failure to reach a quorum for two years a violation of the Constitution as well?"

Bou Abboud continued to emphasize that, despite the obstacles, the Kataeb Party spared no effort to find a viable presidential candidate. However, she said, “rejection prevailed on the other side.”

“What happened today is the result of long-standing efforts,” she added.

Bou Abboud expressed optimism, stating that the election of President Aoun offers a renewed sense of hope for the Lebanese people.

In his inaugural speech, President Aoun addressed several issues that are central to the Kataeb Party’s principles, such as smuggling, arms control, Palestinian refugee camps, and the implementation of a neutral foreign policy.

“The president spoke about issues like smuggling and weapons, as well as neutrality and decentralization, which are key values for our party. We are particularly interested in seeing neutrality reflected in Lebanon’s constitution," she said.

She further noted that the Kataeb Party has been advocating for Lebanon’s neutrality for years.

"We moved from advocating for 'disassociation' to pushing for full neutrality,” she explained. “We even submitted a bill to include neutrality in the preamble of the Lebanese constitution, and we will continue to pursue this important goal.”

Bou Abboud also underscored that the international community, as well as Lebanon’s Arab allies, share the same aspirations for Lebanon’s future: stability, reform, and the safeguarding of sovereignty.

"What Lebanon’s friends are calling for is exactly what we have been demanding,” she asserted. “However, after years of failed negotiations with Hezbollah, the international community has realized that compromises with them will no longer yield results."

“We reject any foreign interference that goes against Lebanon’s interests and sovereignty, and we have always taken this position. The recent foreign push for the election of President Aoun was in Lebanon’s best interests, as it aligned with our desire for reforms, economic exchanges, and the return of trade—without any foreign military involvement or demands to defend other countries.”

"We must always be mindful of our national interest,” she said. “When external intervention contradicts Lebanon’s interest, we have always rejected it. But in this case, the Arab and international community's support for Lebanon has been aligned with our call for reforms and an end to political paralysis.”

“If it wasn’t for the domestic pressure, external pressure wouldn’t have yielded results. Our resilience in the face of obstruction helped turn the tide.”

“We supported Aoun because of his experience in the army and his ability to implement international resolutions,” she said. “General Aoun has the qualities and guarantees Lebanon needs. His integrity and ability to act decisively give us hope for the country’s future.”

Bou Abboud emphasized that Lebanon's new president must form a government composed of upright, skilled professionals who are committed to moving the country forward.

"No foreign country is willing to invest a single penny without seeing significant reforms,” she noted. “It’s crucial that the new president works closely with parliament to oversee the formation of a government that will tackle Lebanon’s most pressing issues."

The Kataeb Party member also addressed the challenges Lebanon faces, particularly the absence of political will to implement judicial reforms.

“The absence of political decisions is a key reason behind the delays in judicial reform,” Bou Abboud said. “We need someone who can stand firm against political interference. We also need a law that separates judicial appointments from political influence. We hope that President Aoun will make this a priority.”

With the election of President Aoun, Bou Abboud believes Lebanon has entered a new era—one that promises vital reforms and the restoration of national sovereignty.

"This is a new beginning for Lebanon,” she concluded. “We have the capacity to bring the country back on track, and we are committed to seeing it through."