Beirut: Lebanon is at a pivotal moment and faces a final opportunity to build a functioning State after decades of war, occupation, foreign influence, and illegal weapons, Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel said during a parliamentary session to debate the government's performance. Gemayel emphasized that Lebanon's central problem has been its failure over the past 55 years to establish a State capable of protecting its people and exercising its sovereignty across the country.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel highlighted Lebanon's historical struggles, moving from a 15-year civil war to a 15-year Syrian occupation, followed by another 15 years characterized by conflicts and the presence of weapons outside state control. These weapons have repeatedly dragged Lebanon into conflicts, leading to the destruction of large parts of the south and the deaths of thousands of Lebanese.

However, Gemayel pointed out that the current government has a unique opportunity as Lebanon now possesses a state, constitutional institutions, and an army that controls most of the country. "The task today is to complete the process of extending state authority across the entire country," he stated, emphasizing the importance of eliminating armed pockets outside state control.

Directly addressing Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Gemayel outlined two choices for the government: accept the status quo or take decisive action. He urged, "You can accept the status quo and give in to delays, obstacles, political grandstanding, and all the other considerations that stand in the way of progress. Or you can implement your decisions."

Gemayel reiterated that Lebanon is facing its last chance to establish a functioning State, and the Kataeb Party's support for the government is based on this belief. "Our support for this government comes from the conviction that this is the last chance to build the Lebanese State," he concluded.