Saad Hariri

Saad Hariri
Saad Hariri
Born	Saad El-Din Rafik Al-Hariri; April 18, 1970 (age 56); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1994–present
Known for	Prime Minister of Lebanon (2009–2011, 2016–2020), leader of the Future Movement party

Saad El-Din Rafik Al-Hariri (; born 18 April 1970) is a Lebanese entrepreneur and political figure who held the office of Lebanon's prime minister twice, first from 2009 to 2011 and later between 2016 and 2020. As the son of Rafic Hariri, he established and has led the Future Movement party since 2007, playing a central role within the March 14 Alliance.

Hariri's initial term as prime minister spanned from 9 November 2009 until 13 June 2011. After spending three years abroad, he returned to Lebanon on 8 August 2014 and commenced his second tenure on 18 December 2016, which lasted until 21 January 2020. His sudden resignation announcement on 4 November 2017, made via Saudi state television, was widely interpreted as linked to the broader Iran–Saudi Arabia rivalry in Lebanon, sparking diplomatic tensions between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, at the request of President Michel Aoun, Hariri suspended his resignation. During the widespread protests of 2019–20 in Lebanon, Hariri declared his resignation once more on 29 October 2019. Although reappointed prime minister on 22 October 2020, he was unable to form a government and eventually stepped down on 15 July 2021.

On 24 January 2022, Hariri declared his withdrawal from political life and did not run in the parliamentary elections held in May of that year.

On February 14, 2025, Hariri announced the reactivation of the Future Movement party with a commitment to actively engage in forthcoming elections. He addressed Lebanon’s post-conflict challenges following the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, stressing the importance of national reconstruction while upholding justice and sovereignty.

Biography

Saad Hariri was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on April 18, 1970. He is the offspring of Rafic Hariri and his first wife Nidal Bustani, an Iraqi woman of Kurdish heritage originating from Baghdad. Hariri is proficient in Arabic, English, French, and Italian. He earned a business administration degree from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 1992.

Business

Prior to entering politics, Hariri chaired Oger Telecom’s executive committee from 1994 to 2005, overseeing telecommunications operations across the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, he led Omnia Holdings and held board memberships at Oger International Entreprise de Travaux Internationaux, Saudi Oger, Saudi Investment Bank, Saudi Research and Marketing Group, as well as the Lebanese television station Future TV.

Political career

On April 20, 2005, Hariri was appointed leader of the Future Movement—a Sunni political party founded by his late father. He headed the March 14 Alliance, a coalition formed following the Cedar Revolution that contributed to ending Syria’s nearly three-decade military presence in Lebanon.

According to WikiLeaks documents from the 2006 Lebanon War period, Hariri criticized Army Commander Michel Suleiman for his approach toward Hezbollah and urged Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to remove Shiite officers stationed at Beirut International Airport. He also expressed willingness to “strike and overthrow Hezbollah” if given an opportunity.

First tenure and collapse

Hariri held the prime ministerial position from November 9, 2009 until June 13, 2011.

On January 12, 2011—shortly after a meeting with President Barack Obama at the Oval Office—opposition factions resigned from Hariri's unity government causing it to collapse. The departure of Hezbollah and its allies was prompted by disputes related to investigations into the assassination of Rafic Hariri, with members of Hezbollah’s Unit 121 implicated. The resignations followed Hariri’s refusal to convene an emergency cabinet meeting aimed at discussing withdrawal of cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was anticipated to indict Hezbollah figures. This event marked a historic first in Lebanon where a government dissolved following resignations by one-third of its members. Preliminary indictments were issued on January 17 but awaited approval by the STL. The opposition deemed this fourteen-month government ineffective; its downfall rekindled political gridlock reminiscent of the period between 2006 and 2008.

Hariri continued as caretaker prime minister for four months, committing to resolving the impasse and engaging in consultations for appointing a successor. Nabih Berri, parliamentary speaker and member of the March 8 alliance, announced formal discussions would commence on January 16. However, March 8 declared it would no longer participate in a government led by Hariri and nominated an alternative candidate characterized by “a history of resistance.” Conversely, March 14 maintained that Hariri must remain at the helm; MP Boutros Harb asserted no government could be formed without his leadership.

Eventually, a new cabinet was established on June 13, 2011 under Najib Mikati, who led an alliance aligned with March 8.^[1]

Syrian arrest warrant

On 12 December 2012, Syrian authorities issued arrest warrants targeting Hariri, Future bloc parliamentarian Okab Sakr, and Free Syrian Army representative Louay Almokdad, accusing them of supplying weapons and funds to opposition factions in Syria. In response, Hariri denounced Bashar al-Assad, labeling him a "monster."

Second tenure

Following an extended stalemate in the presidential election, Michel Aoun secured the presidency and subsequently appointed Hariri to serve a second term as prime minister. Hariri officially took office on 18 December 2016.

Dispute with Saudi Arabia

On 4 November 2017, Hariri declared his resignation from Saudi Arabia, citing apprehensions about the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah in the Middle East and expressing fears of assassination. Iran refuted these allegations, accusing the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia of conspiring to escalate regional tensions. The Lebanese Army stated that it had no intelligence indicating any assassination threats.

Pro-Iranian groups within Lebanon, including Hezbollah, accused Saudi Arabia of detaining Hariri against his will—a charge rejected by both Hariri’s supporters and Saudi officials. Analysts noted that Hariri’s close relationship with Saudi Arabia might have played a role in the unfolding events, while some speculated he was confined and coerced into resigning. In November, attempts by Hariri to travel from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and Bahrain were reportedly blocked in Riyadh. His political party and allies voiced concerns over his limited freedom and called for his return.

On 11 November, Lebanese President Michel Aoun demanded that Saudi Arabia provide clarity regarding Hariri’s status, underscoring the importance of respecting international legal standards. Later that month, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Hariri traveled to France accompanied by his family—facilitated by his French citizenship. On 21 November in Beirut, at President Aoun’s request, Hariri suspended his resignation pending further discussions. He refrained from elaborating on his experience while in Saudi Arabia.

Hariri officially withdrew his resignation on 5 December, announcing that the government would maintain neutrality concerning regional Arab disputes.

2019 protests and resignation

In October 2019, Lebanon witnessed extensive protests demanding enhanced political responsibility and transparency amid widespread perceptions of governmental corruption. On 20 October, hundreds of thousands participated in demonstrations nationwide—the largest since 2005. Gunfire incidents occurred near the Tripoli office of Firas Al-Ali, an ally of Hariri; however, no casualties were reported as security forces quickly intervened. The following day saw a general strike calling for solutions to Lebanon’s economic crisis. Hariri unveiled economic reform measures including a 50% reduction in parliamentary salaries, plans to cut the deficit by approximately US$3.4 billion in 2020 with support from the central bank and banking sector, financial assistance for low-income families, and US$160 million allocated for housing loans; nonetheless, these initiatives failed to ease public unrest.

On 22 October, Hariri met with ambassadors representing major global powers and international organizations comprising the International Support Group for Lebanon. They endorsed the proposed reforms and encouraged dialogue with citizens while supporting peaceful demonstrations. The next day, Hariri spearheaded efforts on legislation aimed at recovering public funds and consulted judicial authorities. He also engaged with the Progressive Socialist Party amid calls from Druze leaders advocating dialogue to maintain stability.

Responding to popular demands for change, Hariri resigned on 29 October. President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation but requested that Hariri continue in a caretaker capacity until a successor was appointed. Hassan Diab was designated Prime Minister on 21 January 2020 but resigned on 10 August following the Beirut port explosion amid mounting political pressure and public outrage over government shortcomings.

In December, President Aoun postponed parliamentary consultations anticipated to reinstate Hariri as Prime Minister due to waning support from influential Christian factions. Protesters assembled near Hariri’s residence opposing his potential reappointment, while separate demonstrations expressed anger over a contentious video involving Shi'a religious figures.

Premiership designation during 2020–21

After Hassan Diab stepped down, the Prime Ministers' club alongside Saad Hariri endorsed Lebanese diplomat Mustapha Adib for the role of prime minister. Although Adib received widespread parliamentary approval when appointed on 30 August, he resigned merely three weeks later due to his inability to assemble a cabinet.

On 8 October, Hariri publicly confirmed his firm intention to be a prime ministerial candidate, calling on political factions to back the "French Initiative." He was reinstated on 22 October with support from the Future Movement, PSP, and Amal Movement, securing 65 votes. Nevertheless, Hezbollah and key Christian parties such as the Free Patriotic Movement and Lebanese Forces withheld their support.

Despite engaging in 18 discussions with President Michel Aoun over several months, Hariri was unable to form a government. Early in 2021, he undertook diplomatic trips to Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE to garner regional backing amid Lebanon's escalating financial turmoil. These visits drew criticism for seemingly compensating for reduced Saudi assistance.

By mid-March 2021, the Lebanese pound had depreciated to 15,000 per US dollar. President Aoun summoned Hariri, demanding either swift government formation or his resignation. Although Hariri initially reported progress, he later rejected a cabinet proposal that allocated a blocking third of seats to Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement. On 15 July, after prolonged impasse, Hariri resigned as prime minister-designate.

In response to public protests, Aoun exerted pressure on Hariri to rapidly establish a government or relinquish his mandate. Hariri cited unacceptable conditions from Aoun requiring disproportionate cabinet representation that would grant veto power. The unveiling of Hariri’s proposed cabinet lineup drew criticism from Aoun. Subsequent negotiations reached an impasse with no meetings scheduled, further intensifying Lebanon’s political deadlock and economic crisis.

Political withdrawal in 2022

On 24 January 2022, Hariri announced his exit from Lebanese politics and declared he would not participate in the 2022 general elections. He also called upon the Future Movement to abstain from contesting or nominating candidates in the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Return to politics in 2025

In 2025, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of his father’s assassination, Hariri made a political comeback in Beirut by announcing the Future Movement’s reengagement in Lebanese politics and his intention to stand in forthcoming elections. However, in April 2025, he declared that the party would refrain from municipal elections, underscoring that such local contests should remain apolitical and centered on development efforts.

Personal life

Born in Riyadh in 1970, Saad Hariri is the second son of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and Nidal Bustani. He has two brothers as well as three half-siblings from his father’s subsequent marriage. Hariri holds citizenships of Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and France.

In 1998, he married Lara Al Azem, daughter of Syrian construction tycoon Bashir Al Azem. The couple has three children: Houssam, Loulwa, and Abdulaziz.

In 2007, French President Jacques Chirac honored him with the Légion d'honneur. For security reasons, Hariri resided in Paris between 2011 and 2014 before returning to Lebanon. His net worth was estimated at $2 billion in 2011 and approximately $1.36 billion as of May 2018.

Controversy

In 2013, it was reported that Hariri provided South African model Candice van der Merwe with a cash gift totaling $16 million following their encounter in the Seychelles. By 2019, South African authorities initiated legal action against van der Merwe over unpaid income taxes related to this sum, despite her assertion that the money was a gift.

In April 2023, Hariri faced a lawsuit filed by two flight attendants who accused him of sexual assault, false imprisonment, harassment, and workplace rape.

External links

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