Walid bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation Director Abdel Salam Marini Reflects on 75 Years Since Riad Al Solh's Assassination and Questions Posthumous Attacks

The article recalls the assassination of President Riyad al-Sulh seventy-five years ago, emphasizing that his life marked the beginning of Lebanon's independent state project, which was founded on strong institutions and genuine sovereignty. The article summarizes Lebanon’s current national decline, where public trust in the state has been shattered, the stature of institutions has waned, deep divisions have been entrenched, and allegiance to sectarian or external loyalties now outweighs loyalty to the homeland. It affirms that Lebanon’s true loyalty lies in reviving the state project—one that protects everyone, ensures real sovereignty, and fosters active citizenship—by prioritizing the law and institutions over sectarianism and divisions. The article concludes that salvation requires renewing the commitment to independence principles, rebuilding a strong state with autonomous institutions, and activating the concept of true citizenship.