Lebanese MP Ashraf Rifi rejects Hezbollah's political guardianship

Lebanese Member of Parliament Ashraf Rifi has issued a sharp critique of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, rejecting claims that the party acts as a guardian over the Lebanese people. Rifi emphasized that Lebanon is a pluralistic nation composed of equal citizens rather than subjects of a specific party or regional axis. He called for a sovereign, independent state where decision-making power resides in Beirut rather than foreign capitals, specifically rejecting the Iranian project.

Rifi asserted that the legitimate use of force belongs solely to the state, with the army and security forces serving as the only authorities for national protection. He advocated for a true national partnership based on equality and constitutional adherence, rather than being part of a regional project that links Lebanon to external powers.

Parallel political tensions persist regarding the role of the constitution in Lebanon. While some political figures have called for adherence to constitutional texts and national consensus documents, debates continue over whether the constitution should serve as a binding authority for all political and military forces, including Hezbollah, or if the party maintains a separate legitimacy based on its own definitions of defense and interest.