Lebanese Kataeb Party Secretary-General Serge Dagher said the upcoming vote for the presidency of the Metn's Union of Municipalities is more than a routine election; stressing that it’s a symbolic battle for local reform, and the first real contest for the post in decades.

Speaking to LBCI, Dagher emphasized the weight of the race, particularly with party candidate Nicole Gemayel in the running, and rejected speculation around the outcome.

He dismissed figures circulating in the media regarding the union elections, calling them inaccurate and premature.

“The final results will only be known after the vote,” Dagher said. “There is no need for speculation at this stage. We respect the mayors of Metn and will sit with them to discuss both their vision and ours. We don’t believe any mayor is automatically aligned with any one side. It’s clear that many municipalities are signaling a desire for change.”

"We will engage with the mayors on every issue and ask them: Do you want to keep things as they are? Is this the future you envision for Metn? Is this the change you are seeking?”

Dagher described the Kataeb’s push for the presidency of the union as part of a broader effort to upgrade local governance throughout Metn. The party, he said, hopes to replicate in other towns the administrative model it has rolled out in its stronghold of Bikfaya.

“This race isn’t just about a political win,” he said. “It’s about building stronger municipalities. What we’ve done in Bikfaya, we want to scale across the union.”

He also highlighted the party’s longstanding advocacy for administrative decentralization, pointing to a draft law prepared by the Kataeb Party that he said has reached its final stages, with over 80% of its provisions finalized.

“This law is foundational for Lebanon’s future,” Dagher said. “The Union of Municipalities will play an increasingly central role, so it’s vital we approach this with clarity and long-term vision.”

“This law is a cornerstone for building Lebanon’s future,” he said. “We must be aware of its importance, particularly since the Union of Municipalities will play an increasingly central role, so it’s vital we approach this with clarity and long-term vision.” 

Dagher also commented on the broader political implications of the municipal elections, acknowledging they may serve as a bellwether for the next parliamentary vote.

“Municipal elections are a significant political indicator,” he said. “We’ve collaborated with the Lebanese Forces in many areas, but it’s too early to say whether this alliance, for instance, will carry over to the parliamentary elections.”

Looking ahead, Dagher expressed optimism about the new administration in the country, stating the Kataeb Party would support both the president and the government in their endeavors. 

“We intend to stand with the new presidential term and support the President of the Republic in the coming years,” he said. “So far, his performance gives us hope that the country may finally be heading in the right direction.”