Sassine Sassine, legal adviser to Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel, said Sunday that the party has not shifted its political direction, defending its electoral strategy while emphasizing a renewed focus on local development and decentralization as Lebanon enters a new phase of municipal elections.

Speaking in an interview with Al-Jadeed, Sassine rejected speculation that the Kataeb Party had deviated from its traditional political stance. He referred to Gemayel's recent call for a truth and reconciliation conference as evidence that the party remains anchored in its long-standing principles.

“The Kataeb Party has not changed its political stance,” Sassine said. “Our approach to the municipal elections reflects the realities on the ground in each region.”

He explained that the nature of municipal elections in Lebanon varies significantly by area. “In smaller towns, elections are driven by family dynamics. In mid-sized towns, it’s a mix of family and politics. But in large municipalities, political considerations usually take the lead,” he said.

This landscape, Sassine noted, has prompted the party to adopt a flexible strategy—forming alliances where politics plays a central role and giving members the freedom to choose their own path in areas where family ties dominate.

“In 70 to 80 percent of cases, we’ve formed clear alliances with the Lebanese Forces,” he said. “We view these elections not simply as political contests, but as opportunities to improve services and support development. To make decentralization work, you need cohesive, effective municipal councils.”

Sassine welcomed what he described as a new chapter in Lebanon’s governance, referring to a morning tour by the president and several ministers as a sign of renewed momentum.

“We’re optimistic about this new era,” he said. “True decentralization starts at the municipal level and with the unions of municipalities. It must be guided by a clear vision and sound governance.”

Turning to the hotly contested Metn region, Sassine dismissed suggestions that the competition there is politically motivated.

“What’s happening in Metn today isn’t about politics, it’s about local development,” he said. “We have a solid action plan for the union of municipalities to boost growth and services across the area.”

He also responded to criticism from Al Joumhouria editor-in-chief George Solage, saying the Kataeb Party had long moved past the era of militia politics.

“Kataeb has set the standard for how to move beyond the militia era in Lebanon,” Sassine said. “We’ve always advocated for state-building and have never behaved like a militia. Even our adversaries acknowledge that.”

He pointed to the party’s hands-on experience in local development, citing a waste-sorting plant in Bikfaya–Al Mhaydseh as a successful model.

“It’s the only operational facility of its kind in Lebanon,” he said. “It has become a benchmark for municipalities nationwide, yet critics don’t seem interested in reviewing the actual work being done.”

Asked whether current municipal alliances could influence next year’s parliamentary elections, Sassine expressed caution.

“Once the municipal elections conclude, communities will naturally return to their local social rhythms,” he said. “These results won’t necessarily affect the upcoming parliamentary race. Outside a few major cities, family ties usually outweigh partisan affiliations. A lot can still change with new political developments and shifting alliances. It’s too early to draw conclusions.”

He closed by praising the Interior Ministry for overseeing the election process and called on voters to turn out in strong numbers.

“We’re witnessing a revitalization of the Lebanese state,” he said. “We commend the Interior Ministry for carrying out this electoral milestone, and we hope to see a high turnout that ushers in new faces and renewed hope for the country.”