Constitutional Symposium – Meeting of the Levante Constitutional Courts

Regional Significance and Last-Minute Absences The event was set to host high-level judicial figures from across the Arab world, including: • Judge Jasem Mohammed Aboud, President of the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court • Judge Ali Jamil Muhanna, President of the Palestinian Constitutional Court • Judge Khaled Ahmad Raafat, Vice President of the Egyptian Constitutional Court • Judge Mohammad Odeh Saleh Al Ghazo, President of the Jordanian Constitutional Court All four had officially confirmed their participation and were scheduled to contribute to the panels. However, due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, they were compelled to apologize at the last minute, preventing their physical attendance. A prepared statement by the President of the Palestinian Constitutional Court was delivered on his behalf during the event by Judge Riad Abou Ghaida, Member of the Lebanese Constitutional Council. Opening Ceremony The symposium was formally opened with addresses by: • Judge Tannous Mechleb, President of the Lebanese Constitutional Council • Mr. Michael Bauer, Head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Lebanon Office • Mr. Kurt Georg Stöckl-Stillfried, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Lebanon • Mr. Adel Nassar, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lebanon • Dr. Tarek Mitri, Deputy Prime Minister, representing His Excellency the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister Their remarks highlighted the Lebanese Council’s pivotal role over the past 30 years in preserving constitutional balance, protecting liberties, and reinforcing democratic governance. Commemorative Segment In honor of the Council’s 30-year milestone, a short video titled “Pillars of Justice – 30 Years of the Lebanese Constitutional Council” was screened. The film chronicled the Council’s founding and its enduring mission in shaping Lebanon’s constitutional culture. Panel Discussions The event featured three interactive panels, drawing on the expertise of Lebanese constitutional scholars and judges, with a comparative regional perspective: Panel 1: The Scope of the Constitutional Court’s Jurisdiction in Matters of Interpretation This panel explored the tools and limitations of constitutional interpretation, especially when navigating conflicting principles within the constitutional bloc. Speakers: • Dr. Adel Yammine, Law Instructor at La Sagesse University • Judge Riad Abou Ghaida, presenting a speech on behalf of Judge Ali Jamil Muhanna Moderator: Dr. Lara Boustani, Instructor, Université Saint Joseph Panel 2: Jurisdiction of the Lebanese Constitutional Council on Electoral Disputes under Separation of Powers The panel analyzed the Council’s power in reviewing electoral appeals while ensuring respect for institutional separation and voter intent. Speaker: Dr. Issam Sleiman, Former President of the Lebanese Constitutional Council Moderator: Me. Mireille Najem Chekrallah, Member of the Lebanese Constitutional Council Panel 3: The Appointment of the Lebanese Constitutional Council Members and Related Guarantees Discussions centered on nomination procedures, legal safeguards, and the structural independence of Council members. Speaker: Mr. Elie Mecherkani, Member of the Lebanese Constitutional Council Moderator: Dr. Fawzat Farhat, Member of the Lebanese Constitutional Council Closing and Outlook The symposium concluded with a closing lunch reception that allowed for continued networking and informal exchange between distinguished judges, constitutional scholars, diplomats, legal practitioners, and members of the academic and judicial communities. While the regional security situation necessitated a condensed, single-day program and the absence of several esteemed international guests, the event nonetheless succeeded in fulfilling its dual mission: celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lebanese Constitutional Council and reaffirming Lebanon’s central role in the regional constitutional dialogue. The discussions throughout the day reflected a shared understanding among participants that constitutional courts are not only arbiters of institutional disputes but also guardians of democratic principles and individual rights, especially in fragile or transitioning democracies. The contributions of Lebanese experts offered insight into the internal workings of the Council and paved the way for institutional self-reflection and possible reform, particularly on matters such as appointment mechanisms, electoral jurisprudence, and the scope of interpretative authority. Beyond its academic and institutional value, the symposium also reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, even amidst uncertainty. The confirmed interest and intended participation of leading Arab constitutional figures stand as testament to the growing demand for platforms of legal exchange rooted in shared constitutional challenges. As the Lebanese Constitutional Council looks ahead to its next chapter, and as constitutional institutions across the Levant region continue to evolve, the symposium served as a symbolic and practical step forward in fostering mutual learning, judicial independence, and a deeper commitment to the rule of law.