Michel Aoun

As acting Prime Minister of a rival government, Aoun launched a military campaign against Syrian forces in Lebanon in March 1989, known as the 'War of Liberation'. The conflict lasted until October 1990, when Syrian forces and their allies defeated Aoun's forces.

After his defeat, Aoun was granted asylum in France in August 1991, where he lived in exile for 14 years. He continued to lead the Free Patriotic Movement from abroad, opposing Syrian influence in Lebanon.

Aoun returned to Lebanon in May 2005 after the Syrian withdrawal. He formed a political alliance with Hezbollah in February 2006, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that reshaped Lebanese politics and strengthened the March 8 alliance.

Aoun was elected President of Lebanon on October 31, 2016, after a 29-month presidential vacuum. His election was a compromise with the Future Movement, ending the deadlock and making him the first president from the Free Patriotic Movement.

Following the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, Aoun faced widespread criticism for his handling of the disaster. He refused calls for an international investigation, leading to protests and accusations of obstruction of justice.

Aoun's six-year presidential term ended on October 31, 2022, without a successor elected due to political divisions. He left office amid a severe economic crisis and ongoing political deadlock, marking the end of his presidency.