In a highly anticipated speech after three years of silence, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced the return of the Future Movement to Lebanon's political life, vowing to be the voice of his supporters in the country's critical moments.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters at Martyrs' Square in Beirut on the 20th anniversary of the assassination of his father, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Saad Hariri emphasized the commitment of his political party to Lebanon’s future, despite the challenges the country faces.

“The Future Movement and the supporters of Rafik Hariri are here to stay, with you, and will be your voice in every national milestone and in all upcoming stages,” Hariri told the gathered crowd. “I told you before, ‘Everything in its time.’ I will stay with you, by your side, and will not leave you.”

Hariri’s return to political life marks the end of his suspension from political activity in 2022, when he announced that he would not run in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections. His family had long been a dominant force in Lebanon's Sunni political sphere, especially since the end of the civil war in 1990.

While the speech marked his political comeback, Hariri also expressed strong support for regional justice, particularly in regard to Syria. He hailed the Syrian people as "heroes" for their role in toppling the regime of Bashar al-Assad, whom he referred to as a "criminal." 

"You expelled the criminal from Syria after the Lebanese had expelled him from Lebanon 20 years ago," he said.

Hariri's remarks also touched on the broader theme of justice, with a focus on the pursuit of accountability for the assassination of his father and other injustices.

"This may be the beginning of justice or its end, but in both cases, if earthly justice does not prevail, the justice of the Lord of the Worlds is something no one can escape," he stated.

The former prime minister did not shy away from addressing Lebanon’s internal struggles, particularly the challenges posed by the Israeli aggression in recent years.

“The most dangerous of them is the insane Israeli war that targeted our country and killed our people,” Hariri said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Lebanese people. “I bow before our martyrs in the South, the Dahiyeh, the Bekaa, and all regions. The Lebanese are one body. Just as it was our responsibility to confront the aggression, it is our responsibility to repair the Lebanese body and rebuild the destroyed areas."

Hariri underscored the urgent need for action on Lebanon’s economic crisis, stressing the collective responsibility to address the nation’s economic challenges.

“Everyone is responsible for solving the economic crisis and restoring development in all regions,” he said, expressing hope that Lebanon's new leadership could usher in positive change. He pointed to the opportunity for renewal, citing the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a new government.

"Lebanon has a golden opportunity after the election of the president and the formation of a new government, and a new hope was expressed in the inauguration speech of President Joseph Aoun."

In a direct address to the people of the Bekaa and Dahiyeh, Hariri called for a new beginning in Lebanon’s political and social landscape.

"You are partners in this opportunity, but you must break any previous impression that you are a force of obstruction, dominance, and weaponry," he said. "You are partners in opening bridges with our Arab brothers, and partners in restoring respect for the state, which alone, with its army, institutions, and military and security forces, protects all Lebanese."

Hariri reiterated his commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, the strength of its national institutions, and his backing of President Aoun and the new government.

"We support every effort to build a normal state and normal relations with the Arabs and the international community, to restore Lebanon’s role in the region and the world," Hariri affirmed. "We are with the state and its national army, and every effort made to enforce the ceasefire and Resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from all villages where it is present."

He also reflected on the lasting legacy of his father’s vision, saying, "The project of Rafik Hariri continues through you in a new form. After 20 years, Rafik Hariri is present, and his supporters are present in every square. The Future Movement will remain the movement of moderation, the state, institutions, freedoms, Arabism, openness, and coexistence."

In his closing remarks, Hariri expressed Lebanon’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and their ongoing struggle for justice.

"We must understand the significant changes happening in the region to declare our solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause, and our commitment to the two-state solution," he said.