Will the third time be a charm for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Lebanon in the last month of 2020? His expected third visit to the country since the August Beirut Port explosion has been scheduled, but his main demand of a new technocratic government has not. It is now the benchmark for his success and ability to support Lebanon through this crisis. At this stage, “Caretaker Prime Minister” might become a more appropriate name for the government executive position. It seems that the politicians of this small Mediterranean country — amid a deluge of negative economic, health, social and security signals — are still incapable of moving forward and doing what seems to be in its citizens’ best interest. As problems continue piling up, it is making the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis the easiest or smallest of the problems facing Lebanon; all of which Hezbollah and its subordinate political leaders and business cartels do not care about. The latest report from the World Bank stated that Lebanon is in a “deliberate depression.” The word deliberate says it all. Political forces and elites that are protecting Hezbollah’s interests are choosing to let the country rot and disintegrate. The important thing for them is to preserve the status quo and their survival, which has become linked — deeper than people understand — to the Iranian regime. In their view, this survival will be helped by the new US administration and any future negotiations with their masters in Tehran. Hence, Macron’s visit, regardless of the formation of a Lebanese government, is also the last before the start of Joe Biden’s mandate and what might be a new chapter in US-Iranian relations. In case a government is not formed prior to his arrival, Macron is expected to visit the French forces taking part in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south of the country. It might be the only thing he does, as he will, in the case of no new government being in place, probably not meet any political leader. UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Maj. Gen. Stefano Del Col recently chaired a special tripartite meeting with senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, which seems to indicate a wish to avoid any friction or escalation prior to the French president’s visit. It is understandable that Macron is trying to keep a positive engagement and not alienate Hezbollah. Firstly, on a regional level, because France has been keen to maintain positive relations with Iran; and, secondly, on a domestic level, it is the most organized and strongest element in Lebanon. It is also important for the French to understand that, in today’s Lebanon, those who speak the truth against Hezbollah are either underground or out of town. The latest attack by Hezbollah and Amal thugs on students after their elections last week was a clear example. They are not satisfied with breaking the country — they now are looking to destroy and silence its future. Therefore, if I could address a message to the French president before his visit to Lebanon, I would tell him that, during his previous visits, he met with symbols like Fayrouz, who represent the poetry that Lebanese aspire to, and he met with the symbols of corruption and hypocrisy, which is represented by political class. This time, he should meet the reality and the future. He should meet with the students at Lebanese universities. He should sit with all these students and listen to what they have to say, guide them, and protect them. They are the only hope for this country. In a sad twist, Lebanon’s gifted youth is emigrating in search of a better future, while those who come back do so only to escape justice in their adopted countries. This is another dangerous indication that Lebanon has become a no man’s land and a signal of its isolation. Moreover, there is, unfortunately, little to expect from a new government, whatever its composition and even if Iran grants a little win for Macron in the run-up to its expected negotiations with the new US administration. No one will be able to reform Lebanon, because reforming Lebanon means uncovering and stopping all the interests of Hezbollah and Iran. The political corruption and banking sector cartel are just the tip of the iceberg. They hide Iran’s doing, not only on a local level but also on the regional and even global levels, reaching Iraq, Syria, Africa, and South America. The tentacles of this Iranian crime organization, which helps Hezbollah receive millions of dollars while the Lebanese starve, are what reform would uncover. This will come with an answer of violence and even more destruction. What can technocrats do if they are threatened with death? Absolutely nothing. Moreover, a technocrat is a meaningless word when it comes to Lebanon. Let us not forget that many of today’s accused corrupt politicians were not always politicians, but were technocrats who came from the banking and economic sectors. It is a political government that is needed, but with a new breed of politicians to sanitize the country just as we sanitize our hands when fighting COVID-19. We need to rid the government of all the old incumbents. We need a government with a vision and the will to fight for it. Lebanon cannot change while the same political clans rule in the same way, running the country like it is their fiefdom. The French president should sit with all these students and listen to what they have to say, guide them, and protect them. They are the only hope for this country. Khaled Abou Zahr This country needs a vision and a new leadership. Maybe the best way to find this leadership is among those who will fight for it and are the future of the country: Lebanese students. They could create a movement to build on the protests that started little more than a year ago. It would resemble the “En Marche” movement that brought Macron to power in France, breaking with the traditional political divisions and carrying the voice of the country’s youth. It is time to empower the students who refuse to compromise on the future of Lebanon, who are brave enough to think they can change the country, and who do not care about threats and violence because they are guided by a strong belief. However, their vision needs to be sharpened. This vision can only be to anchor Lebanon as a country of freedom of belief and free enterprise. The French president supporting this youth is what will mark his success, not another broken government. Khaled Abou Zahr is CEO of Eurabia, a media and tech company. He is also the editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi. Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point-of-view