Justice Minister Adil Nassar delivered an address at a symposium organized by Lebanon’s Constitutional Council, underscoring the vital role of constitutional law and the judiciary in preserving the country’s stability and democracy amid a turbulent regional environment.

Speaking at the event titled “Meeting of the Levant Constitutional Courts,” Nassar’s presence carried deep personal significance, as he addressed the audience alongside his father, the former President of the Constitutional Council, who recently celebrated his 96th birthday.

“It is difficult to deny the emotional impact of this moment,” Nassar said, thanking the Council and its president, Tannous Meshleb, for the opportunity.

The minister highlighted the timing of the symposium as a powerful testament to Lebanon’s resilience.

“At a time when the region is experiencing dramatic upheavals and serious conflicts threatening the future of the Levant, Lebanon continues to maintain its leading role in safeguarding the constitution and republican principles,” Nassar said.

Despite the country’s many challenges, he stressed that building a state governed by law remains an imperative.

“A state must confine power within official authorities and security agencies under the rule of law,” he added.

Nassar emphasized that the law, and particularly the Lebanese constitution, must be the sole reference for all citizens and residents.

“Democracy must operate within the framework of the constitution, not at its expense. All Lebanese must be equal before the law,” he said.

Reflecting on Lebanon’s social divisions, Nassar acknowledged the heavy price paid by society due to its fragmentation.

“The time has come to unify under the banner of the state; one that belongs to everyone and guarantees everyone’s rights,” he said.

He called for Lebanon to engage openly with all nations from a firmly national perspective that prioritizes the country’s interests and the protection of its people. Cooperation, he said, should focus on developing Lebanon’s systems and collaborating for a better future, “far from anything that could jeopardize our security and the safety of our citizens.”

“The cause that must always unite us is the national interest alone,” Nassar said, cautioning against the negative consequences of reckless ventures that have fragmented society, threatened civil peace, and dragged Lebanon into wars.

“It is time for the Lebanese citizen alone to be the center of all our decisions.”

On the role of the Constitutional Council, Nassar described it as the guardian of the constitution, often having to confront decisions made by the legislative branch.

“The Council’s responsibility is great, as it sometimes must oppose choices made by a legitimately empowered authority,” he said.

He explained that Lebanon, like other countries, accepts the necessity of a council that protects the highest law, the constitutional law, as a foundation for preserving the republic, democracy, and individual rights.

“If we agree that even the parliamentary majority cannot override these principles, then the constitution cannot be treated as a matter of opinion,” Nassar noted.

Recalling statements from international constitutional law figures, Nassar referenced Robert Badinter, former president of France’s Constitutional Council, who upon appointment declared he was bound by a “duty of ingratitude”, being obliged to make decisions contrary to the wishes of those who appointed him. He also quoted Professor Dominique Rousseau, who asserted that “in times of crisis, respect for fundamental rights is even more important.”

Acknowledging Lebanon’s ongoing crises, Nassar urged steadfast adherence to fundamental principles, protection of the Council’s and judiciary’s independence, and appointing the right people to key positions.

“We must not hesitate to make difficult decisions in defense of the law, basic principles, truth, Lebanon, and its people,” he said.

He underscored the Council’s essential role in consolidating the rule of law and stressed the importance of expanding its powers in constitutional interpretation and review, calling this expansion foundational to building a modern, civilized legal state.

Highlighting Lebanon’s unique democracy and pluralism, which have endured under the harshest conditions, Nassar echoed Victor Hugo, with a slight modification: “If only ten democracies remain in the East, Lebanon will be the tenth; and if only one remains, it will be Lebanon.”

In closing, Nassar thanked the Council and its president for the invitation and expressed his readiness, as Justice Minister, to support all efforts to strengthen and expand the Council’s authority.

“Long live the Constitutional Council, and long live Lebanon,” he concluded.