The Independence Movement (Arabic: حركة الاستقلال; Harakat Al-Istiklal or Al Haraka) is a sovereigntist, reformist and secular center-right political party based in Zgharta (Lebanon), founded in 2006 by Michel René Moawad, son of the assassinated Lebanese President President René Moawad and first lady Nayla Moawad; a formal Member of the Lebanese Parliament.[1]
Origin
The Independence Movement began as a grassroots initiative as part of the Cedar Revolution,[2] before it evolved into a structured political organization that aims to defend Lebanese sovereignty, independence, democracy, state institutions, and liberties. The movement equally advocates human and economic sustainable development, reforms and modernization of state institutions, reinforcement of governmental transparency and accountability, as well as civic engagement and participation in public life.
In 2022, the Independence Movement allied with the Kataeb Party and other Anti-Hezbollah independents to form a list called 'Shamal Al Mouwajaha' to bring down Gebran Bassil's presence in the North III electoral districts.[5]
President of the Movement
Since 2009, the movement has been led by Michel Moawad (Arabic: ميشال معوض). He is a resigned Member of the Lebanese Parliament (Parliament of Lebanon); resigned in protest following the August 4th Beirut Explosion.[1] In May 2018, he was elected for the first time to the Lebanese Parliament representing the Zgharta District in the North-3 electoral sector.[5] Moawad was an active member of the parliamentary budget committee and played a pivotal role in fighting corruption and exposed the illegal partisan employment in the public sector. He is the son of the former Lebanese President President René Moawad, assassinated on the 22 of November 1989.[1]