Political Turmoil in Lebanon: The Truth Behind Ilyas Busaab’s Defection from the Free Patriotic Movement

There has been a remarkable development in Lebanese politics. Lebanese Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Ilyas Busaab has parted ways with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) after long-standing “silent disagreements” between high-level representatives within the party. The split raises new questions about intra-party tensions and internal rivalries in the Lebanese political arena.

Background to the rift between Ilyas Busaab and the FPM

Ilyas Busaab was known as one of the leading figures in the parliamentary bloc of the FPM. Busaab, who was also a key advisor to former President Michel Aoun, had become a central figure within the PMF over the years. However, his recent decision not to attend meetings within the party and the deep differences in party policies made Busaab’s departure from the party inevitable.

Following Busaab’s decision to leave the PMF, party sources told Sarkh al-Awsat newspaper that Busaab had not attended meetings of the parliamentary bloc for months and that his departure was due to long-standing differences of opinion. Busaab’s decision has further exposed the divisions and leadership battles within the party.

Internal Strife and Leadership Struggle within the FPM

Basaab’s departure from the party is seen as an indication of a larger internal conflict within the FPM. In particular, Jibran Basil’s leadership period, which began in 2015 when he took the helm of the FPM, brought with it many controversies within the party. Under Basil’s leadership, there has been constant tension over internal party strategies and political priorities. This situation became even more pronounced with the crises that emerged during the last elections. Cases of ‘resignations’, ‘dismissals’ and ‘ostracization’ within the party were the concrete results of this tension.

Although sources close to the party consider these internal dynamics as “internal party issues”, the information that emerged after Busaab’s departure reveals how deep the divisions within the party are. In particular, the distancing between other MPs reveals that the conflicts within the party are not only felt at the leadership level, but also at the level of MPs.

Broad Influences on Lebanese Politics

Ilyas Busaab’s defection from the PMF could also have an impact on the overall balance in Lebanese politics. Such defections usually lead to changes in the vote base and political alliances of parties. The loss of a prominent figure like Busaab could reduce the party’s parliamentary power and political maneuverability. It will also lead to new strategies in relations with other parties and potential coalition negotiations.

To summarize, Ilyas Busaab’s departure from the PMF exposes the existing conflicts within the party and raises new questions for the future of Lebanese politics. These developments may have important implications for Lebanon’s political stability and regional politics. Such turmoil within the party and in Lebanese politics is likely to continue to be decisive for future elections and political alliances.