Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad urged Tuesday the election of a strong president who would breathe life into paralyzed state institutions and revitalize an ailing economy.

“The elected president should be strong and should enjoy wide support on the Christian and national levels, which will enable him to carry out his duties as stipulated in the Constitution,” Moawad said following a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai in Bkirki.

Moawad voiced hope that the recent political developments would lead to a breakthrough in the presidential deadlock.