Saad Hariri, Saudi Arabian-Lebanese businessman and politician, 66th Prime Minister of Lebanon

Saad El-Din Rafik Al-Hariri, born on April 18, 1970, is a prominent Lebanese-Saudi politician whose career has been inextricably linked with the complex tapestry of Lebanese politics. Hailing from a powerful political dynasty, he is the son of the revered late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, whose assassination in 2005 profoundly shaped Lebanon's modern political landscape. Following in his father's footsteps, Saad Hariri quickly ascended, founding and subsequently leading the Future Movement, a predominantly Sunni-led political party that advocates for a sovereign and independent Lebanon, with a strong emphasis on economic development and its Arab identity. His leadership positioned him as a central figure, widely recognized as "the strongest figurehead" within the March 14 Alliance, a broad coalition of anti-Syrian influence parties that emerged after the Cedar Revolution.

Two Terms at the Helm of Government

Saad Hariri's political career saw him serve as the Prime Minister of Lebanon for two distinct periods, a role of immense responsibility and challenge in a country governed by a delicate sectarian power-sharing agreement. His initial tenure as Prime Minister spanned from November 9, 2009, to June 13, 2011. Following this, he spent approximately three years living outside Lebanon, a period that underscored the personal and political pressures often faced by figures of his stature in the region. He made a significant return to Lebanon on August 8, 2014, signaling his renewed engagement in the nation's political life. This return paved the way for his second term as Prime Minister, which commenced on December 18, 2016, and concluded on January 21, 2020.

The Controversial Resignation of 2017

Perhaps one of the most dramatic episodes in Saad Hariri's career was his surprise announcement of intent to resign, which was broadcast live from Saudi Arabia on November 4, 2017, via Saudi state television. This unprecedented move immediately plunged Lebanon into a deep political crisis and sparked widespread international concern. Many observers, both within Lebanon and globally, viewed this resignation as a direct manifestation of the escalating Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict playing out on Lebanese soil, raising fears of regional destabilization. The circumstances surrounding his announcement, including allegations of his detention in Riyadh, triggered a significant diplomatic dispute between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. However, the crisis was eventually defused, at least temporarily, when President Michel Aoun requested that Hariri "put it on hold ahead of further consultations," allowing for a period of national dialogue and ultimately leading to the suspension of the resignation.

Navigating National Crises: From Protests to Political Stalemates

The political landscape in Lebanon continued its turbulent trajectory, leading to Hariri's second and formal resignation during the widespread anti-government protests that swept across the country in late 2019. On October 29, 2019, amidst what became known as the 2019–20 Lebanese protests or "Thawra" (revolution), he announced his resignation and that of his entire cabinet, bowing to immense public pressure demanding an end to corruption and sectarian governance. Despite this, he was once again designated as prime minister on October 22, 2020, with the daunting task of forming a new government capable of addressing Lebanon's multiple crises, including a devastating economic collapse. However, the deeply entrenched political divisions and the intricate power-sharing mechanisms proved insurmountable. After months of painstaking negotiations and persistent disagreements over cabinet formation, Hariri ultimately failed to assemble a government and resigned from his designation on July 15, 2021.

Stepping Back: A Pause from Political Engagement

In a significant declaration on January 24, 2022, Saad Hariri announced his decision to suspend his involvement in political activities. This move also meant he would not be running in the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, 2022. His withdrawal sent ripples through the Lebanese political establishment, particularly within the Sunni community and the Future Movement, as it marked the departure of a dominant figure from the electoral arena. This decision, following years of intense political struggle and the recurring inability to form stable governments, underscored the profound challenges facing Lebanon and perhaps reflected a personal pivot away from the perpetual gridlock.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saad Hariri

Who is Saad Hariri?

Saad Hariri is a prominent Lebanese-Saudi politician, born on April 18, 1970, and the son of the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. He has served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Lebanon and led the Future Movement party.

What political positions has Saad Hariri held?

He served as Prime Minister of Lebanon for two non-consecutive terms: from November 9, 2009, to June 13, 2011, and again from December 18, 2016, to January 21, 2020. He was also designated as Prime Minister in October 2020 but failed to form a government.

What is the Future Movement?

The Future Movement (Tayyar Al-Mustaqbal) is a major Sunni-led political party in Lebanon, founded and previously led by Saad Hariri. It is generally aligned with Western interests and has historically opposed Syrian influence in Lebanon.

Why was his 2017 resignation controversial?

His surprise resignation announcement in November 2017, made from Saudi Arabia, was widely seen as part of the broader Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict playing out in Lebanon. The circumstances surrounding it, including allegations of Saudi pressure, created a major diplomatic incident before he eventually suspended the resignation.

Why did he step down in 2019?

Saad Hariri resigned as Prime Minister on October 29, 2019, along with his cabinet, in response to the massive nationwide anti-government protests known as the "Thawra." Protesters demanded an end to corruption and the sectarian political system.

Did he attempt to form another government after 2019?

Yes, he was designated as Prime Minister again on October 22, 2020, but after nearly nine months of political deadlock and an inability to form a consensus government amidst Lebanon's severe economic crisis, he resigned from his designation on July 15, 2021.

Is Saad Hariri still active in Lebanese politics?

No, on January 24, 2022, Saad Hariri announced his decision to suspend his involvement in political activities and stated he would not run in the 2022 parliamentary elections, effectively stepping back from active politics.