Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad said Monday that Lebanon cannot uphold its independence and sovereignty amid the presidential vacuum.

“A state without a head is far from being independent, sovereign and capable of protecting our nation,” Moawad said in a tweet.

“Unfortunately, we cannot truly celebrate Independence Day in the absence of a state. Before his assassination on Independence Day,  President Rene Moawad said Independence should should be celebrated rather than remembered. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for the day when we celebrate our independence,” he said.