The National Bloc: May 25 is a landmark victory for all Lebanese people

On the anniversary of May 25 and the liberation of Lebanese land from the Israeli occupation, a salute to every martyr and wounded and to all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed for the sovereignty and dignity of the Lebanese people.

On the 25th of May, we pause to reflect on the courage, dedication and loyalty of the people of south Lebanon. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid and we salute them for their steadfastness, pride and vigor.

We celebrate on May 25 whilst Lebanon is enduring one of the most difficult crises in its history, as a direct result of the de facto absence of the state and the dominance of personal, mafia and factional interests, and the grip of Hezbollah's weapons over its strategic decisions.

Therefore, the title of our battle is “state restoration”, as we seek a sovereign and just state that protects everyone equally based on the principle that all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.

 A state that lays down active policies that protect people's interests and aspires to achieve economic prosperity. The state alone should have a monopoly over the possession of weapons, the state alone should have the prerogatives to build up suitable deterrent and defensive capabilities and apply the law over its entire territory. A state that perceives equality and the realization of civil and human rights for everyone, regardless of sectarian identity or sociopolitical background.

Today, as Lebanese, we have yet to face several pressing challenges, such as resolving the economic and social collapse, restoring the confidence of society and international institutions, defending our sea and land borders, and protecting the public sector, particularly health and education.

While in the past a large number of Lebanese resorted to arms after the deterioration of the Lebanese state and the coalescence of militias under the pretext of self-protection from foreign occupations and dominations, it must be recognized today that it is not permissible to enter into this vicious cycle as weapons is a tool used to dominate the people and disrupt the constitution.

Experience has demonstrated that there is no alternative to the state in protecting sovereignty, building the economy, and ensuring people's rights. No matter how prestigious and powerful the sectarian parties have become, they are still incapable of replacing the state.

There is no substitute for the legitimate state, a powerful state that is able to take decisions in accordance with the constitution, without yielding to the consensus between sects, those who claim the exclusive representation of people and groups.

25 May 2000

26 April 2005

17 October 2019 

Behold these glorious times in which the honorable Lebanese revolted for their dignity, rights and freedom. Today, it is about time to translate the momentum of these revolutionary dates into the greatest victory of building the state we all deserve, a state that fulfills our high hopes, lofty ambitions and uncountable sacrifices.