Lebanese National Bloc
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Lebanese National Bloc (Arabic:الكتلة الوطنية ), is a Lebanese political party founded in 1936. His founder Émile Eddé became president the same year under French protectorate. His son, Raymond , succeeded him as head of the party. In 1968, the National Bloc joined the Helf Alliance, a grouping which included former President Camille Chamoun's National Liberal Party and Pierre Gemayel's Kataeb Party. The alliance well-performed in Parliamentary elections held the same year winning 30 seats (on 99). Nevertheless in 1969, the Bloc leaved the alliance after the Cairo Agreement. During the Lebanese civil war, and although mainly Christian the party refused to rejoin the Lebanese Front, formed by his former allies. During the war years, he refused to arm a militia and kept a moderate line consisting mainly in defending the independence and unity of Lebanon aligning his self with the positions of the Sunni bourgeoisie, represented by Rashid Karami and Saeb Salam. The exile (in 1976) and the death (in 2000) of his leader, combined with the rise of the Lebanese Forces and Aounist current, contributed to the decline of the party. He is now part of anti-President Lahoud coalition, Alliance of 14 March. His current leader is Carlos Eddé. The president of the party is traditionally called dean (Arabic: العميد).
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