1928 - 2003
Maronite politician in Lebanon.
Pierre Hilu, a wealthy industrialist born in Beirut, was a deputy representing the district of Alay. He was first elected in 1972, and became a cabinet minister for the first time in 1973. He was mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 1988, but he refused to succeed Amin Jumayyil without Muslim support. Hilu was still considered a potential presidential candidate, especially because his ties with Syria were good over the years, although he was not seen as a pawn. He was one of the few credible Maronite deputies to seek reelection in 1992 when many right-wing Christians boycotted the election. He was also again elected in the election in 2000, and had served as head of the Maronite League. In 2003, Hilu suffered a heart attack while participating in a television talk show, and was succeeded in his parliamentary seat by his eldest son Henri in the same year.
— AS'AD ABUKHALIL
