The first President of Lebanon was Charles Debbas, who served from 1926 to 1934. Debbas was born in Zahlé, Lebanon, in 1885. He was the son of Khalil Debbas, a wealthy merchant, and Chafica Rahmeh, a housewife. Debbas received his early education in Zahlé and then attended the American University of Beirut, where he studied law.
After graduating from law school, Debbas worked as a lawyer in Zahlé. He was elected to the Lebanese Parliament in 1918 and served as Minister of Justice from 1922 to 1925. In 1926, Debbas was elected President of Lebanon by the Lebanese Parliament. He was the first Lebanese president to be born after the country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
- Ethnicity: Debbas was a Greek Orthodox Christian.
- Achievements: During his presidency, Debbas oversaw the establishment of a number of important institutions, including the Lebanese University, the National Library, and the Lebanese Red Cross.
- Legacy: Debbas is remembered as a strong and effective leader who helped to lay the foundation for the modern Lebanese state.
Debbas was a popular president who was widely respected by the Lebanese people. He was known for his integrity, his dedication to the Lebanese cause, and his ability to work with people from all backgrounds. Debbas died in Beirut in 1935 at the age of 49.
Emblem of Lebanon
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Latvia, Laos and Kyrgyzstan. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Lebanon President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Lebanon’s History
Lebanon, a small country situated in the Middle East, has had its fair share of influential and popular presidents throughout its history. These leaders have played significant roles in shaping the nation and navigating through challenging times. Here is a list of ten of the most popular presidents from Lebanon:
- Elias Hrawi – He served as the President of Lebanon from 1989 to 1998, overseeing the end of the Lebanese Civil War and implementing economic reforms to stabilize the country.
- Fuad Chehab – As the President of Lebanon from 1958 to 1964, he focused on modernization and initiated infrastructure projects, bringing about social and economic progress.
- Michel Suleiman – Serving as the President from 2008 to 2014, he played a vital role in maintaining stability during a time of political turmoil, overseeing peaceful transitions of power.
- Bachir Gemayel – Elected in 1982, he tragically lost his life after only a few weeks in office. Gemayel is remembered for his efforts to rebuild Lebanon after the civil war.
- Camille Chamoun – As President from 1952 to 1958, he worked towards improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare, leaving a legacy of economic progress.
- Amine Gemayel – Serving as President from 1982 to 1988, he faced numerous challenges, including the Israeli invasion and continued civil unrest, leaving a lasting impact on Lebanese politics.
- Bechara El Khoury – He became the first President of Lebanon after independence in 1943, playing a crucial role in establishing Lebanon as an independent nation and fostering democracy.
- Fouad Shihab – Elected in 1958, he actively pursued policies aimed at fostering national unity and modernization, leaving a significant mark on Lebanon’s development.
- Charles Helou – Serving as President from 1964 to 1970, he focused on strengthening Lebanon’s international alliances and played an important role in regional diplomacy.
- Suleiman Frangieh – As President from 1970 to 1976, he implemented social, economic, and political reforms, striving to unite Lebanon’s diverse communities.
These ten presidents made influential contributions to Lebanon’s history, striving to bring stability, prosperity, and progress to the nation. While each faced unique challenges during their tenure, they played instrumental roles in shaping the country’s political landscape and overall development.
