VIDEO: Lebanon marks two decades since Rafic Hariri's assassination

Lebanon commemorated the 20th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri on Friday. 

The capital, Beirut, will host memorial ceremonies at the site of the bombing that claimed Hariri's life on Feb. 14, 2005, with politicians and prominent figures gathering to lay wreaths and recite prayers at his grave.

Several leaders will deliver speeches emphasizing the need to restore Hariri's approach to rebuilding Lebanon and achieving stability, alongside calls for uncovering all truths related to the crime of his assassination.

- Internal crisis and absence of the Future Movement -

This year’s anniversary comes amid significant political changes, including the election of General Joseph Aoun as the new president of Lebanon, following an assault by the Israeli Occupation, primarily on southern Lebanon and Beirut, which killed several Hezbollah leaders, including the former secretary-general of the party, Hassan Nasrallah.

A new government was formed in Lebanon, headed by Nawaf Salam, following Aoun's election as the new president.

The Future Movement, founded by Hariri, remains absent from the political scene after its leader, Saad Hariri, suspended his political activities in 2022.

This absence has raised questions about the future of the movement and its influence on the Lebanese political landscape, especially as traditional forces struggle to address mounting crises.

- Hariri’s legacy -

Despite the passage of two decades since his assassination, Hariri is still seen as a symbol of economic revival and reconstruction in Lebanon following the civil war.

His absence marks for many Lebanese the beginning of a period of political and economic turmoil that has deepened in recent years, making the anniversary a moment to recall his vision for achieving stability and building strong institutions.

Read more: Assad sister-in-law: Assad family, Hezbollah behind Hariri’s assassination

As the economic collapse continues and political horizons remain blocked, many today are calling for a revival of Hariri's approach, which emphasizes economic openness and strengthening Arab and international relations to extricate Lebanon from its crisis.