Robert Ghanem Puts On His Best Outfit

For a second-tier candidate, Mr. Robert Ghanem seems surprisingly well prepared.

He has made it to the top three “consensus candidates” list, if we are to believe the unnamed Lebanese official who told AFP that the Patriarch’s list, in addition to the political contenders, Harb, Lahoud & Aoun, includes Messrs Demianos Kattar, Joseph Tarabeih & Robert Ghanem.

I went on to check Mr. Ghanem’s website and was surprised at how polished it was. A bit too polished if you ask me, complete with pictures of him alongside world leaders and professionally shot portrait pictures (above) that are ready to replace that of Emile Lahoud.

What is the attraction of Mr. Ghanem? To get an idea, check the intro of his presidential program:

Based on the concept of responsible freedom, and feelings of duty, I call on everyone to take a moment to reflect on this vision, which I wanted to be comprehensive, and enter a profound and serious dialogue blessed by good intentions and sound will. This is so that we can arrive at strong convictions, adhere to them, and be guided by them in saving and resurrecting Lebanon, and preserving its rightful role and message in the world.

Too many flowers, no substance whatsoever. But that’s precisely the point. Could he be the next President? What do you think?

Also read: 

Lebanon’s Presidential Front-Runners (New York Times)

Related Beirut Spring post:

• I noticed a couple of days ago that Mr. Demianos Kattar’s name was buzzing around, so I tried to find out more..