President Aoun Pledges to End Tripoli's Neglect in Historic First Visit in 15 Years

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun made a significant commitment on Saturday to address decades of neglect in Tripoli, marking the first presidential visit to the northern city in 15 years. This initiative aims to rebuild public confidence in state institutions and services.

President Aoun received a warm reception in Lebanon's second-largest city, Tripoli, an area that, despite being home to some of the nation's wealthiest politicians, remains one of its most marginalized and impoverished. Addressing attendees at the Tripoli Serail, he declared, "The time has come to put an end to neglect" in the city and to confront the socioeconomic challenges faced by its inhabitants.

"My visit is to tell the people of Tripoli that the state is present and always stands by your side," President Aoun stated. He emphasized the necessity of providing services to citizens to restore trust, asserting, "Human dignity requires the state to deliver services and ensure they are accessible to everyone. This is how we rebuild trust." He also announced plans for projects designed to generate employment opportunities for the residents, adding, "It is our duty to serve the people."

Tripoli Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh hailed the visit as historic, acknowledging the long period of state neglect. The last recorded presidential visit to Tripoli was in November 2011.

President Aoun's agenda included visits to key sites crucial for the city's economic development, such as the Palace of Justice, Tripoli Port, the special economic zone, and the Rachid Karami International Fair. While at the Palace of Justice, he underscored the national priority of combating corruption and highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary.

Accompanying the President were Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar and Justice Minister Adel Nassar, alongside senior security officials. Minister Hajjar affirmed that the presidential visit underscored the state's dedication to Tripoli and expressed optimism that it would bolster security and economic activity. He also cautioned that worsening economic conditions could jeopardize stability.

Minister Nassar echoed the significance of the visit, stating it demonstrated the government's commitment to Tripoli's development. "The city has an essential role and we will do everything necessary to develop it," he concluded.