Lebanese Forces and Marada Movement are communicating on multiple matters, starting with the situation in the North and reaching up to the republic's presidency.
Sources say that MP Melhem Riachy is handling the relationship with the Marada movement on behalf of the Lebanese forces. Riachy took over this matter after the LF official, Tony Chidiac, who was in charge of this file, left for Australia. Riachy is communicating with MP Tony Franjieh.
In the discussion between Riachy and Franjieh, and according to the available information, the forces renewed their position, which was announced by party leader Samir Geagea more than once.
Geagea said that LF's MPs would not elect Suleiman Franjieh for the republic's presidency. LF's position is directly related to the fact that Franjieh supports a political narrative that contradicts the political orientation of the Lebanese Forces, specifically in terms of Franjieh's alliance with Hezbollah.
However, suppose the Lebanese Forces find that Franjieh is a guarantor of his accession to the presidency; there will be no opportunity to undermine this guarantee. In that case, they will not obstruct the presidential elections, but they will not vote for Suleiman Franjieh:
The Marada Movement, whose officials do not discuss communication details with the Lebanese Forces, did not deny contact and said the talks dealt with various issues.
Some observers of the atmosphere between the two sides say there is nothing new in it, especially regarding the presidential elections and the possible nomination of the head of the movement, Suleiman Franjieh, to this position.
Sources make it clear that Franjieh's candidacy or the announcement of his adoption by any party will only happen after making sure that this step will reach its happy end in Baabda Palace. Therefore the head of the Marada Movement will not take any action in the unknown so as not to cause him harm.