Michel Murr facts for kids

Michel Murr (Arabic: ميشال المرّ, born 29 September 1931 – died 31 January 2021) was an important Lebanese politician and businessman. He was a member of the country's parliament, a deputy prime minister, and an interior minister. He was a very influential lawmaker in the northern Metn area.

Early Life and Education

Michel Murr was born in 1931 in Bteghrine, a village in the Matn District. His family followed the Greek Orthodox Christian faith. His parents were Elias Murr and Rose Saliba. He had a brother named Gabriel Murr and four sisters, including May Murr.

He studied engineering at St Joseph University and finished his studies in 1955. Later, he studied law at the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas and graduated in 1958.

A Career in Politics

Michel Murr first tried to become a member of the parliament in 1960 but did not win. He then lived in West Africa for many years in the 1960s. There, he earned a lot of money in the construction business.

He returned to Lebanon and tried again to enter parliament, but he lost once more. In 1968, he was finally elected to parliament. He worked with Pierre Gemayel, who was a powerful politician in the Metn district. In 1969, he became the minister of post, telegraph, and telephone.

Important Government Roles

After the civil war in Lebanon (1975–1976), he supported different political groups. In the mid-1980s, he supported a group that worked with Syria. He also helped negotiate an important agreement between different leaders.

In 1979, he became the minister of post and housing. Then, in 1980, he was named the minister of telegraph, post, and telephone.

Later Political Years

After Syria took control of Beirut in 1990, Michel Murr became the interior minister. This was a reward for his loyalty. He also served as defense minister from 1990 to 1992. On 20 March 1991, he survived an attempt on his life. A car bomb exploded near his cars, killing eight people and hurting 35 others.

He also served as deputy prime minister. While in office, he worked closely with Syrian officials. Murr was again appointed interior minister in 1996 and kept the job until 2000. His son, Elias Murr, then took over the position.

In October 2004, he was chosen as the deputy speaker of parliament. In the 2005 elections, he joined a political group called the Change and Reform bloc. However, he later left this group to become an independent member of parliament.

He led his own political group called the Metn Bloc. He last won a seat in parliament in the 2018 Lebanese general election.

Family Life

Michel Murr was married to Sylvie Abu Jaoude. They had three children: Elias, Mirna, and Lena. His son, Elias, married Karine Lahoud in 1992, who was the daughter of the army commander Emile Lahoud. They later divorced. Michel Murr is also the grandfather of the Lebanese politician Nayla Tueni.

His Passing

Michel Murr passed away on 31 January 2021. The National News Agency announced that he died due to problems from COVID-19. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. His memorial service was held at the Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Rabieh. He was then buried in his hometown of Bteghrine.

See also

• January 1986 Lebanese Forces coup