Abbas Hachem:

Born in Turzaya on 12/25/1954

Married to Amal Ibrahim and father of four:
- Darina (24 years old): a Saint Joseph University (USJ) graduate; holder of a BA degree in management and administrative science and a Master’s degree in Finance and Banking
- Nisrine (22 years old): graduated from the American University of Beirut (AUB)with a BA degree in economy
- Ali (19 years old): Student at the Lebanese American University (LAU)
- Mira (6 years old): Student at the Louise Wegman School

Educational background:

Secondary education:
The Maronite School in Jbeil
Jbeil public High School

Specialization: Management

Languages:
Arabic, French, English

Occupation:
- Member of the Lebanese Parliament:
- Member of the Finance and Budget committee
- Member of the Youth and Sports committee
- Member of the committee of friendship:
- Member of the committee of friendship with Australia
- Member of the committee of friendship with Bolivia
- Member of the committee of friendship with South Africa

Administrative development manager at Moudayfer Group in Saudi Arabia from 1977 till 1990

Founder and partner of the following firms:
- “ Hashem engineering company” for electromechanical consulting
- The real-estate development company that realized the “Burj Inma’a” project in Ramlet el Bayda
- The Lebanese industrial development company “LEDCO”, for construction materials: main accomplishments:
- Beirut International Airport and the sidewalks of Baabda Presidential Palace and the Lebanese University in Hadath (under construction)
- A 50 000 sq m resort city project in Khaldeh (under study), with the collaboration of Dar el Handasa (Shaer and company)
- The Hashem gas stations chain in Great Beirut

Politics:

It is my faith and attachment to my country that brought me back to Lebanon in 1990, when I decided to do everything I can to practically translate my loyalty towards the nation and all its components. It was therefore clear to me that parliamentary representation was the healthy legislative framework for the establishment of State’s institutions and rule of law. I considered it as a service for my home city that has always been a model in citizenship and civilization, believing in freedom, democracy, human rights, and commitment to the nation first and foremost. 

In 1996, I ran for the parliamentary election based on the aforementioned principles, but I lost by a slight difference. I have been working ever since in the public field, proud of every vote that gave me trust, seeking to deepen my relations with the voters. My weapon has always been my faith in constructive dialogue and complementarity with others, within a framework of unshakable principles, and an expertise based on honesty in speech and in conduct, which is the shortest path to the heart and mind.

I believe that Lebanon belongs to all the Lebanese. Geographically speaking, it is a small country, but it is of a great influence and value. It plays an active and interactive role in the region. I have always looked forward to the day when we would be rid of all foreign occupation - ulatedas stip in the International Resolutions - the day the State could expand its authority throughout the Lebanese soil.

I deem social stability as one of the conditions to economic development, for it requires the elimination of all aspects of injustice, providing the necessities of decent and dignified life for every citizen, and giving each person its full and entire rights.

I am completely independent politically, but attached to the following free national principles:

- Lebanon’s freedom, sovereignty and independence
- The priority of allegiance to the nation rather to any other allegiance
- Realizing national understanding and guaranteeing conviviality
- Boosting respresentativity and effectiveness of democratic institutions, and respecting law supremacy
- Providing social, humanitarian and economic security for all citizens
- Elaborating a modern educational policy with the priority of fostering the Lebanese University and public education.
- Elaborating a developed fiscal system that would be fair towards all social classes
- Achieving administrative and development decentralization
- Promoting industry while protecting the environment
- Achieving agricultural recovery through facilitating farmer loans and establishing agricultural cooperatives aiming at providing food security for a wide range of the population that encompasses more than 54% of the Lebanese.

As regards our region in particular:
- Preserving natural and archeological sites, emphasizing on the region’s role in tourism, and restoring its historical importance
- Eradicating deprivation by providing a proper infrastructure, establishing technical schools and university branches
- Demanding a presence and an active participation for the region’s population in all the public establishments and institutions
- Widening old main roads and opening new roads
- Full tapping of the Nahr Ibrahim river
- Seeking to establish more barrages and irrigation basins
- Establishing a public hospital to meet the needs of the region’s population.
- Promoting tourism as well as the role of cultural, artistic, and sports councils
- Considering environment issues as a top priority, in order to unveil Lebanon’s civilized face and the rich history of the region

- I consider that the Taef agreement, the Apostolic exhortation, and President Lahud’s swearing-in speech, could constitute the groundwork of a near term platform for the next elections, while stressing that the people is constantly the source of all powers.