Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh said Wednesday that Lebanon must face the reality of disarmament “without bloodshed or the destruction of Lebanon’s structure,” describing it as an inevitable and necessary step toward genuine national reconciliation.

“Otherwise,” he warned, “on what foundation are we building the nation?”

Speaking in an interview on Tele Liban, Sayegh pushed back against what he called a targeted smear campaign, insisting that every political stance must be understood in its specific context.

“I’ve never harbored hatred or resentment toward anyone,” he said. “But when one’s dignity, or the dignity of those they represent, is insulted, anger is a natural and even healthy reaction.”

Discussing the recent municipal elections in Zahle, Sayegh expressed disappointment over allegations that Hezbollah was behind the Kataeb’s electoral list.

“It was painful to hear such claims,” he said, adding that what initially seemed like a slip of the tongue was later repeated, fueling genuine outrage among his ranks.

On reports of a falling out with Youmna Gemayel, Sayegh dismissed the speculation, highlighting their shared friendship, common values, and mutual reverence for the legacy of Martyr President Bachir Gemayel.

When asked about growing tensions with the Lebanese Forces, Sayegh acknowledged differences in approach while emphasizing shared ideals.

“We’re united by core values and a common cause,” he said. “But our methods differ, and that divergence has become a chronic issue. We need to institutionalize our relationship in order to safeguard what unites us.”

Commenting on the recent race for the Metn Union of Municipalities, Sayegh said both the Kataeb and the Lebanese Forces were caught off guard by shifting alliances.

“Commitments were broken,” he said. “Even Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was surprised by the outcome. Both of our parties faced the same breach of trust.”

Sayegh also took aim at what he described as the Murr family’s political “school,” accusing it of aggressively wielding money and services as tools of influence. He acknowledged that his party was well aware of the role financial leverage played in the municipal union battle.

“Our assessment is clear: the issue was money and a hunger for power,” he said.

He recounted internal debates over whether the Kataeb should respond in kind. Nicole Gemayel, he said, stood firm.

“She told us, ‘I don’t want to win using corrupt methods. I entered this race to change the past and uproot corruption. If I use the same corrupt tools, I become like them. And if I become like them, then what’s the point of my candidacy?’”

On governance, Sayegh recognized that some ministers are reform-minded but said the state is paralyzed by lack of resources.

“Our ministries are running on empty. They have no funding and are severely understaffed,” he said.

He explained that the recent increase in fuel taxes was aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army.

“Good governance is about setting clear priorities. And right now, the top priority must be equipping the army so it can recruit, enforce decisions, monitor camps, and control the proliferation of weapons.”

Sayegh emphasized that Lebanon’s inability to access international funding is a major obstacle to reform.

“How are we supposed to meet our obligations or uphold our sovereignty without money?” he asked.

Addressing the controversial issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Sayegh outlined a dual-path approach: confrontation or engagement.

“The president opted for engagement—demonstrating that the state isn’t hostile to the party,” he said. “But ultimately, Hezbollah must make the historic decision to disarm.”

Sayegh argued that while Hezbollah has maneuvered well geographically, it has consistently misjudged the political timeline.

“The party assumed time was on its side—but it wasn’t. Israel struck Lebanon in ways Hezbollah didn’t anticipate,” he said. “Now, Hezbollah may be banking on regional developments—particularly Iran’s nuclear talks—as justification to hold onto its arsenal. But the decision has already been made, both locally and internationally. That’s the basis of the president’s approach.”

“President Aoun’s inaugural address wasn’t just aimed at Lebanon’s Parliament—it was a message to the entire world.”

Sayegh rejected fears that Syria is advancing at Lebanon’s expense, noting that any progress in Damascus would naturally spill over into Beirut.

“If Syria rebounds, it helps Lebanon,” he said. “Our biggest burden is the Syrian refugee crisis, and we’re hoping for their return.”

He added that Lebanon could eventually assist in reviving Syria’s banking sector—once Lebanon’s own financial system is restructured.

“If we resolve the weapons issue, Lebanon could achieve rapid, positive growth within just six months,” Sayegh said. “Syria, given its more extensive destruction, will need more time.”

He concluded with a broader regional perspective, expressing cautious optimism.

“The region is moving toward peace and normalization,” he said. “But real peace isn’t possible without resolving the Palestinian issue.”

“You can’t build lasting stability or sustainable growth without a foundation of values, and justice is one of them.”