Kataeb Political Bureau member and former Minister Alain Hakim described Lebanon's current trajectory as a "golden phase," citing renewed efforts to restore state authority and rebuild national institutions.

In an interview with Transparency News, Hakim said the country has entered a new era defined by one overarching objective: “rebuilding the state” through “sequential, structured steps across all ministries and sectors.”

“If we look at developments in appointments, security, the economy, finance, and across reform initiatives, it’s clear we are on the right track,” he said.

Still, Hakim acknowledged significant gaps remain — chief among them the absence of a comprehensive economic plan and the slow pace of disarmament, with weapons not yet fully under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He urged patience and empathy in tackling the weapons issue.

“We must remember that the people in question are our own. They deserve respect and understanding until practical solutions are reached,” Hakim said. “This spirit is reflected in President Joseph Aoun’s approach, emphasizing direct engagement with Hezbollah to resolve the arms question as quickly as possible.”

He continued, “We cannot expect an immediate transition to a new state model when we are coming out of complete chaos. But under President Aoun’s leadership, we are seeing clear signs of real change.”

Hakim cited the president’s inaugural speech as a policy framework now actively being pursued, and expressed hope that the 2026 parliamentary elections would mark a turning point.

“It is our duty as citizens to elect a parliament that reflects the aspirations of the younger generation. The current legislature does not. We need to push voter turnout from 42% to beyond 58%.”

He also addressed voter apathy among the Shiite community.

“Many within the Shiite population didn’t vote. We call on them to participate — because if Hezbollah continues down its current path, obstructing the building of a functioning state, it risks finding itself further isolated from the state structure.”

On the issue of Hezbollah’s arms, Hakim said the matter is “essentially settled, but subject to political procrastination.” He accused the group of using delays to gain leverage, while being restrained by the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which he described as “a sword hanging over its head.”

“All we want as Kataeb is for Hezbollah to return to the state’s fold,” he said, pointing to Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel’s recent call for a truth and reconciliation conference. He noted Gemayel had extended a hand to Hezbollah in the pursuit of “practical, national solutions.”

“If Hezbollah had integrated into the Lebanese state, we wouldn’t be witnessing this scale of destruction and loss of life in the southern towns.”

Turning to U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus’ recent visit to Beirut, Hakim said Lebanon is now under “international scrutiny,” with global actors closely monitoring developments.

“This isn’t just a military issue — it’s about reforms that serve Lebanon’s best interests,” he said.

Hakim also emphasized the Kataeb Party’s role in national politics, saying its focus on sovereignty and state-building continues to resonate.

“We see our values reflected in many of the current ministers, who have earned our political and executive trust.”

While declining to speak on behalf of Justice Minister Adel Nassar, Hakim outlined four priorities the Kataeb Party expects from the Ministry of Justice, regardless of its political orientation: progress in the Beirut Port blast investigation, judicial appointments, resolution of political assassinations dating back to the civil war, and ensuring the judiciary’s independence.

Hakim also offered praise for newly appointed Central Bank Governor Karim Said, calling him “highly qualified.”

“His objectives — governance, sound management, and transparency — are crucial for the financial sector. Inside Banque du Liban, these principles are essential for reviving the economy, ending the cash-based system, curbing terror financing, and cleaning up the banking sector to stimulate growth,” he said.

Hakim concluded with a firm stance on national resistance.

“The only legitimate resistance today is that of the Lebanese people, the Lebanese Army, and the Lebanese state — nothing else. These are the forces reclaiming the five strategic points in the South and reasserting sovereignty,” he said. “For 50 years, Palestinian arms were imposed on us. Syrian and Iranian weapons brought nothing but destruction and the shedding of Lebanese blood. The blood spilled is Lebanese, the money is Lebanese, and the homes destroyed are Lebanese.”