He obtained a degree in Law from Saint Joseph University in 1948. He joined the judicial corps in 1953 and was assigned judge in the Accounting Department, a period during which he established a strong relationship with President Fouad Chehab. During Shehab’s regime, he was assigned as Judicial Manager at the Presidential Palace and later as a General Manager for Presidential Matters in 1962. He became Governor of the National Bank in 1968 following the “IntraBank” Crisis.
In 1970, he runs for presidency against Suleiman Franjieh , but loses by only one vote in the parliament. In 11975, with the start of the Lebanese Civil War , Sarkis represents a moderate Maronite group. With the support of president Hafez al-Assad of Syria, Sarkis is the only candidate for presidency and is appointed president on May 8, 1976. Sarkis appoints Selim al-Hoss as prime minister. in the late 1970's, while Sarkis replaces top officials with pro-Syrian people, he still tries to limit Syrian power, but in vain. The relationship with prime minister Selim al-Hoss is tense, as al-Hoss considered Sarkis to be too pro-Syrian.
In March 5, 1980, Sarkis formulates his policy, as part of trying to create national accord: unity, independence, parliamentarian democracy, rejection of the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, support for a future Palestinian state and cooperation with Syria. In June of that year, Selim al-Hoss resigns in protest against the president's inability to create peace in Lebanon.
After much difficulties, Sarkis is able to appoint a new government with Chafic al-Wazzan as prime minister. In September, his presidency comes to the official end. Sarkis retires from Lebanese politics. Elias Sarkis passed away in 1985.
Elias
Srakis,
1924-1985
