Lebanon Mourns Salim Hoss: Former PM and 'National Conscience' Dies at 94

Salim Hoss, a prominent figure in Lebanese politics, passed away on August 25, 2024, at the age of 94. The announcement came from caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who referred to Hoss as the "conscience of Lebanon."

Hoss's death occurs during a period of heightened tension for Lebanon, as the country faces potential conflict with Israel. The situation escalated following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, with Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, engaging in cross-border exchanges with Israeli forces.

Throughout his career, Hoss served five terms as Prime Minister, navigating Lebanon through some of its most challenging periods. His tenure spanned the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities. Hoss's final term in office concluded in 2000, marking the end of an era in Lebanese politics.

Respected for his expertise and integrity, Hoss was often viewed as a technocrat who prioritized national interests over sectarian divisions. This approach was particularly significant in Lebanon, a country known for its unique confessional political system, which allocates governmental and parliamentary seats based on religious quotas.

Lebanon's political landscape is characterized by a power-sharing agreement where the Prime Minister is always a Sunni Muslim, the President a Maronite Christian, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shiite Muslim. This system, while aiming to maintain balance, has also contributed to political instability and frequent government changes.

Hoss's career was marked by several notable events, including a period in 1988 when he led one of two competing governments following the end of President Amin Gemayel's term. This situation underscored the complex nature of Lebanese politics and the challenges faced by its leaders.

"He was a prominent economist and a role model for his expertise, ethics and knowledge. He placed the country's supreme interest and the interest of citizens above all considerations."

The passing of Salim Hoss comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon. The country has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2019 and hosts the largest number of refugees per capita globally. Additionally, Lebanon is still recovering from the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.

As Lebanon mourns the loss of a respected statesman, the country continues to face numerous challenges. The legacy of Salim Hoss serves as a reminder of the importance of principled leadership in navigating the complex political landscape of Lebanon.