Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Sunday reaffirmed his party’s commitment to reform and clean governance, vowing to continue the fight against corruption and clientelism even if it means standing alone.

“We have never hesitated, and never will, to run in any election if it means improving people’s lives and fighting corruption and clientelism, even if we are left to do it alone,” Gemayel wrote on X following the outcome of the Union of Metn Municipalities vote.

The race for the union’s presidency, which saw Bteghrine Mayor Mirna Murr elected over Kataeb-backed candidate Nicole Gemayel, was marked by behind-the-scenes maneuvering and what Samy Gemayel described as tactics that betray democratic principles.

“There are many lessons to be learned, but the methods used against us are ones we will never adopt, because they are the exact opposite of what we stand for: buying loyalties, backstabbing, and defying the will of the people,” he said.

Despite the loss, Gemayel saluted Nicole Gemayel, mayor of Bikfaya-Mhaydseh, who ran for the top municipal post, and the bloc of mayors who supported her in the face of political pressure. He credited them with challenging a decades-old status quo.

“A salute to Nicole Gemayel and to the brave individuals who stood their ground. Thanks to them, and for the first time in 30 years, we have broken free from a culture of blind allegiance,” he said.

Addressing the people of Metn directly, Gemayel sought to reassure voters who had placed their hopes in Kataeb’s reformist platform.

“To the people of Metn who hoped for change, we say: the path of reform, no matter how difficult, will not end here. Many more battles still lie ahead,” he said.

“We promise the Lebanese people, and especially the people of Metn, that we will remain committed to the same clean and transparent approach, always in service of Lebanon," Gemayel pledged.