Speculating on the Direction of Gibran's Loyalists

Whether this is realistic or merely an illusion remains to be seen.

Building Close Friends, Not Party Companions

In the midst of unresolved sadness and lingering bitterness, Gibran's loyalists will face existential questions about where they will go and who they are now.

Gibran's loyalists cannot escape from introspection and recognizing the journey they have taken.

The political shock Gibran has faced proves how fragile daily popularity can be, driven only by algorithms and fleeting euphoria.

People may sympathize with Gibran. He is liked by many. However, that sympathy and fondness are only geared towards gaining those cool algorithms.

Algorithms only provide Gibran with instant friends and supporters, akin to school mates or party companions, borrowing the framework of Constanza Gajardo and Irene Coster in their article How Loyalty Works: Why Do People Continue Their Relationship with Journalism (2023).

Algorithms cannot give Gibran true friends, let alone friends akin to family.

As we've realized in these final days, algorithms are not robust enough when facing the traditional political forces filled with tactics and intrigue.

In electoral contests, in terms of campaign voting, it may play a part.

However, in a semi-marathon struggle, traditional politics driven by ideology, organization, and territorial networks will prevail, especially in times of crisis.

If Gibran's loyalists intend to reshape their political steps after losing power, one thing is now clearly necessary: the supporting base can no longer be nurtured and developed through ”party companion” or merely ”schoolmate” relationships.

Party companions only show up when the power music thumps, the entertainment stage is set, and logistics are overflowing.

Once the party ends and crisis strikes, party companions lack ideological resilience. They easily panic, busy themselves with conspiratorial narratives, or gradually leave the arena.

Meanwhile, school friends are bound by cold and minimal formal obligations. They cannot be relied upon in difficult times.

Pursuing consolidation after his resignation requires Gibran to forge bonds with supporters akin to true friends or family members. In politics, true friends are not just a line of admirers who always justify their leader's every step.

True friends are those bound by deep values and empathy, willing to sincerely remind when procedures go awry, and who remain steadfast not out of promises of power positions but due to shared vision and sincere dedication.

The broader public can indeed become the strongest friends and protectors for a public figure when they see their connection with their patron transcending mere schoolmate or party companion ties.

This is a lesson not only for Gibran but especially for his loyalists, who still see Gibran as an expected figure for the future.