Prominent former Lebanese premier Saad al-Hariri announced Monday that he had “suspended” his involvement in Lebanon’s politics, citing foreign influence and a fragmented public.
Al-Hariri, a three-time premier, announced during a televised press conference that he will not run in the upcoming parliamentary elections and that his political party, the Future Movement, will not file any nominations.
“I am convinced that no positive opportunity exists for Lebanon in the face of Iranian influence, international confusion, national division, sectarianism, and state fatigue,” al-Hariri stated.
“I announce my retirement from political life,” he said, urging his party to boycott the May 25 legislative elections. “We have decided to abstain from any direct involvement or responsibility in power and politics in the conventional sense,” he added.
Al-Hariri, a prominent Sunni figure, entered politics following his father’s assassination in 2005. His withdrawal occurs during a crippling economic crisis, widespread poverty, and political inaction on solutions.
