Introduction to Amin Gemayel
Amin Gemayel is a prominent Lebanese politician who served as the President of Lebanon during the tumultuous period of the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s. Throughout his distinguished career, he held numerous significant positions, particularly within the Lebanese Phalange Party, which was founded by his father, the influential politician Pierre Gemayel.
Amin Gemayel’s Personal Life
Born on January 22, 1942, in the town of Bekfaya, Lebanon, Amin Gemayel pursued his education at Saint Joseph University, where he graduated with a degree in law. He began practicing law in 1965 and subsequently became active in Lebanese politics. Following the conclusion of his presidential term, he relocated to Europe, living in Switzerland and then France, before returning to Lebanon in 2000.
Amin Gemayel married Joyce Joseph Philippe Tian, who is now known as Joyce Gemayel. The couple has three children: Nicole Gemayel, who is married to Michel Maktouf; Pierre Amin Gemayel, who was assassinated in 2006; and Sami Amin Gemayel, a prominent Lebanese politician who served as a member of the Lebanese parliament starting in 2009.
Amin Gemayel’s Political Career
In 1961, Amin Gemayel joined the Lebanese Phalange Party founded by his father. After the death of his uncle, Maurice Gemayel, who served as a deputy for the Metn North constituency, Amin ran for the parliamentary by-election in 1965. In 1972, he was re-elected to the parliament, and during the same year, he was appointed as the head of the Metn North region within the Phalange Party. He continued serving as a deputy until he ascended to the presidency in 1982.
Amin Gemayel as President of Lebanon
Following the assassination of his brother Bashir Gemayel in 1982, Amin pledged to continue his brother’s legacy. After a period of mourning, the Political Bureau of the Phalange Party convened to decide on a successor, and unanimously elected Amin Gemayel to stand for election in place of Bashir.
On September 17, 1982, the Political Bureau of the National Liberals announced that former President Camille Chamoun would run for the presidency again, resulting in a competitive electoral battle between Amin Gemayel and Camille Chamoun.
Chamoun withdrew from the elections one day prior, and the following day, a session was held at the Military Academy in Fihariya, where Amin Gemayel was elected, garnering 77 out of 80 votes. His presidency occurred during a particularly challenging time, as much of Lebanon remained outside the government’s control. He served as president until September 22, 1988.
Positions Held by Amin Gemayel
Throughout his extensive political journey, Amin Gemayel occupied several key roles. The following is a list of his most notable positions:
- President of the Lebanese Phalange Party.
- Deputy for the Metn North constituency in the parliamentary by-elections.
- President of the Republic of Lebanon.
- Lecturer at Harvard University.
- Supreme Leader of the Lebanese Phalange Party.