Lebanon has officially named a new government, marking the end of a two-year rule by caretaker authorities. The presidency announced on Saturday that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam will lead the new administration, a development that comes as Hezbollah’s influence weakens.
Salam expressed his commitment to forming a “government of reform and salvation,” vowing to restore trust with the international community. His leadership follows years of economic turmoil and a devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. With Lebanon facing a dire financial crisis, his administration must implement crucial reforms to secure aid from global donors and navigate a fragile ceasefire with Israel.
President Joseph Aoun signed a decree to establish a 24-member cabinet, alongside two additional decrees: one accepting the resignation of former Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government and another officially appointing Salam as the new prime minister.
The newly appointed government includes five women and notable figures like Ghassan Salame, a former United Nations envoy to Libya. Hezbollah, once a dominant force in Lebanese politics, has suffered major setbacks, including the loss of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in a September airstrike and the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, severing a key supply route from Iran.
After more than two years of political gridlock, the decline of Hezbollah’s power paved the way for former army chief Aoun—widely seen as Washington’s preferred choice—to be elected president and for Salam to be approved as prime minister.
A Turning Point for Lebanon
Lebanon had been without a president for over two years due to political deadlock. Salam managed to form a government in under a month, a rare feat in a country where such processes typically take much longer.
The United Nations welcomed this development, with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, stating that the new government signals “a brighter chapter” for the country.
Salam emphasized that his government would not include political party members or individuals planning to run in the next parliamentary elections. He selected his ministers in consultation with key leaders, maintaining Lebanon’s long-standing sectarian power-sharing system.
Before assuming full authority, the new administration must draft a ministerial statement and secure parliamentary approval within 30 days. Lebanon’s 128-seat parliament remains largely dominated by traditional, sectarian-based parties.
The new government now faces the challenge of negotiating agreements with the International Monetary Fund and preparing for parliamentary elections set for next year. With Lebanon at a crossroads, all eyes are on how Salam’s administration will navigate these pressing issues and restore stability to the nation
