Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s speech on the 20th anniversary of the assassination of his father, Rafik Hariri, has reignited discussions about his political future and the broader state of Lebanon’s political landscape. Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh noted the emotional depth of Hariri’s address, which he said revived the spirit of the March 14 movement.

“It reminded us of the atmosphere of the March 14 movement—a significant sentiment, as nations are built not only on reason but also on emotions and conscience,” Sayegh said in an interview on Voice of Lebanon. “There was a clear, spontaneous engagement from the people, and Hariri knew how to address them effectively.”

Beyond its emotional appeal, Sayegh noted, Hariri’s speech emphasized a return to state institutions, reinforcing the principles championed by his late father.

“He reaffirmed the core vision of Rafik Hariri: a return to the state, reliance on the state, and Lebanon’s finality as enshrined in the constitution,” Sayegh said. “Supporting the presidency and the government politically does not mean withdrawing from public life; rather, it signifies a return, through this commemoration, to the depths of the Lebanese conscience and the heart of Lebanon’s internal political equation.”

Hariri’s address also hinted at the potential resurgence of the Future Movement, which has been largely absent from recent elections.

“The Future Movement is preparing to participate in municipal and parliamentary elections, which ultimately signals Hariri’s own return,” Sayegh said. “When he says, ‘I stand by you, and I have not abandoned you,’ he could mean that personally, in physical presence, or through active engagement, both of which will have a significant impact.”

While Hariri avoided explicit introspection, Sayegh suggested that reflection on past political choices would be crucial.

“Personally, I had expected some form of reflection on the previous phase,” he said. “The people did not abandon Saad Hariri—he acknowledged that himself. However, the political trajectory of the past created a significant rift within the March 14 movement, followed by governmental mismanagement and the disastrous previous presidential term.”

Sayegh emphasized the need for broader political reflection beyond individual assessments.

“Reflection should not be merely a personal soul-searching exercise—although that is commendable—but rather a collective process,” he said. “When Kataeb leader MP Samy Gemayel calls for a conference of truth and reconciliation, it must begin with individual introspection, then extend to former allies and friends, and eventually encompass the entire nation.”

Hariri’s past governance, particularly his first government, was noted for its economic achievements.

“I was part of his first government when Lebanon’s economic growth was at 8%,” Sayegh recalled. “It was truly a golden era for the state, and these are memories we hope to revive on a stronger foundation in the future.”

Hariri’s endorsement of the government could also have implications for Sunni representation in Lebanon’s political sphere, with some Sunni lawmakers, particularly from the Moderation Bloc, threatening a no-confidence vote.

“These could be immediate consequences of his speech,” Sayegh said. “Today, the issue is not about securing a share in the government but about making a political choice to save Lebanon. It is no longer about ‘this belongs to me, and that belongs to you’—we have moved past that.”

“Hariri has demonstrated that he is still capable,” Sayegh said. “We all know he has influence over certain MPs and that he, along with MP Bahia Hariri, remains a key reference point for many who chose not to interfere in the government formation process out of respect for his previous decision to step back.”

Sayegh underscored Hariri’s responsibility in shaping Lebanon’s future, stressing that the latter has a crucial role to play "because he knows exactly who exploited him, who betrayed him, and who took advantage of the state for their own gain."

“Many from his own close circle are deeply entangled in corruption, both locally and internationally, and he has suffered greatly because of this.”