Hariri-Jumblat-Breakup (Lebanon-Report‪)‬

Hariri and Jumblat Parting Ways After Years of Alliance Walid Jumblat, Lebanon's influential Druze political leader and head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), has maintained what was described once as "a strategic relationship" with the slain former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, and later with his son and political heir, caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri. This relationship was translated into an election alliance with Saad Hariri in the 2009 parliamentary elections and with Saad's father in previous elections. It was also manifested in Jumblat's support for the Hariris' governments and policies in the face of the opposition's fierce campaigns in past years. Hariri emerged as the leader of the parliament majority from the 2009 elections, heading a 36-member bloc.