Michel Aoun Becomes President of Lebanon in 2016

Name: Michel Aoun Becomes President of Lebanon in 2016
Start: 1933-10-31
Location: Unspecified

The Election After an Extended Vacancy

Michel Aoun's Presidency

On October 31, 2016, Michel Aoun was elected as the President of Lebanon, marking the end of a political deadlock that had lasted for more than two and a half years. Aoun, who was a controversial figure in Lebanese politics, garnered significant support from various factions, including Hezbollah, leading to his successful election.

Lebanon's Political Crisis

The prolonged absence of a president had caused major political instability in Lebanon. This void was largely attributed to divisions among political factions, reflecting the country's complex sectarian system. Aoun's election was seen as a turning point that could potentially stabilize the nation.

Aoun's Journey to the Presidency

Early Career of Michel Aoun

Born in 1933 in Ras el Metn, Lebanon, Michel Aoun had a military background, serving as the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces before transitioning into politics. His earlier career paved the way for his eventual rise to power, despite facing significant hurdles throughout the Lebanese civil war and subsequent political controversies.

The Role of External Influences

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East played a crucial role in Aoun's election. With the backing of Hezbollah and the influence of Syria and Iran, Aoun's presidency signified the shifting alliances within Lebanese politics and the implications of regional dynamics on local governance.

Fun Fact

Michel Aoun’s Interesting Fact

Interestingly, before becoming president, Michel Aoun spent nearly 15 years in exile, which included a significant period in France after he fled Lebanon during a turbulent political era, making his eventual return to power particularly remarkable.