Tensions are rising early in Metn with some parties already showing signs of losing their composure well before the midpoint of the election day. The most striking example comes from George Solage, whose on-air remarks have stirred both legal and ethical alarm.

To begin with, Solage’s televised appearance flagrantly violated Lebanon’s election law, which mandates a period of electoral silence. This breach is all the more serious given his dual role: as the official spokesperson for the Murr family and as the head of their affiliated newspaper—at a time when the Murrs are major backers of several municipal slates. Therefore, his appearance was not only legally inappropriate but a blatant breach of neutrality in a process that demands it.

Even more disturbing was the tone of his remarks. Solage veered far from measured political commentary and instead unleashed a torrent of personal resentment and hostility. Ironically, his accusations against others seemed to reflect the very tactics long associated with his own camp.

While age may allow for certain lapses in memory, it does not exempt one from accountability and does not justify rewriting the past. Solage may have forgotten, but the public has not: Who was it that has repeatedly acted with a militia-like mindset in Metn? Who has fostered a political environment rooted in coercion, intimidation, and brute force?

The facts speak for themselves. Just last year, a municipal official in Metn was kidnapped, handcuffed, and beaten to pressure him into reversing his resignation and thereby prevent the dissolution of a local council. And let’s not forget the strong-arm tactics: roadblocks, thuggish behavior, and open intimidation. These are not distant memories, they are fresh wounds.

Solage went on to say that people don’t want to return to the past. But which past does he mean? Metn was once Lebanon’s crown jewel, being prosperous, well-managed, and dynamic. Under the current leadership, however, the region has been reduced to a shadow of itself: the coastline turned into a dumping ground, villages deprived of basic services, and the entire district overrun by clientelism and impunity.

For now, we’ll keep our response limited to the words of the Murr family’s spokesman. But let it be clear: the time for silence is over. When someone bangs on the door, they should expect an answer.

This is the English adaptation of an Arabic article originally posted on kataeb.org.