MP Nadim Gemayel stressed the critical importance of the upcoming municipal elections in Beirut, describing the capital as the embodiment of Lebanon’s national identity and calling for calm, constructive dialogue to address deep-rooted political challenges.

Speaking after a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at Dar al-Fatwa, Gemayel said he had updated the country’s top Sunni religious authority on the political climate, particularly the high-stakes municipal race in Beirut.

“We briefed His Eminence on the overall situation in the country, especially the upcoming electoral battle in Beirut,” Gemayel told reporters. “To us, Beirut is not just the largest city in Lebanon or merely a site of local elections, it is the identity of the nation, a shared identity for all Lebanese.”

Gemayel described the capital as being at the heart of a broader national challenge, warning that tensions gripping the country must not be allowed to further destabilize Beirut.

“The entire region is going through a difficult time. We don’t want these crises to reflect negatively on Beirut. On the contrary, we want Beirut to rise above them and serve as an example,” he said. “Preserving national coexistence is essential. This is what the late President Rafik Hariri left us: the principle of parity.”

In his remarks, Gemayel emphasized the importance of upholding true partnership between all Beirutis and ensuring that municipal governance reflects this shared responsibility. He also cautioned against attempts to resolve constitutional or political issues through sectarian rhetoric or escalations.

“There is a lot of talk around representation, powers, and other contentious issues,” he said. “But these cannot be resolved through inflammatory speech or by raising sectarian tensions. These are sensitive topics that must be handled with calm and clarity.”

Gemayel pledged to work toward a post-election process aimed at safeguarding Beirut’s balance and improving municipal governance.

“I promise all Lebanese, especially the people of Beirut, that after the elections, we will preserve this national balance,” he said. “We will address issues of representation, authority, and partnership with transparency and a sense of responsibility, far from sectarian slogans or political grandstanding.”

The Kataeb MP also warned against political forces seeking to use the municipal race to alter the capital’s political landscape in a way that could influence national dynamics.

“Some parties are betting on a shift in the Beirut municipal equation that could serve them down the line,” he said. “But you can’t treat a festering wound without pain — and we’re not looking to escalate. We are committed to managing this issue with composure and responsibility.”

Gemayel extended his call for support to Lebanon’s top political officials, urging them to take the capital’s elections seriously and participate in a solution-oriented approach.

“I call on the President of the Republic, PM Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri to treat the situation in the capital with the gravity it deserves,” he said. “We are all partners in this. Beirut is our identity. Beirut is the capital. And this election is not just about the city, it is about preserving the identity of the entire nation.”