Lebanon’s Prime Minister-Designate Announces Plans for Non-Partisan Government

Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, announced on Wednesday his intention to form a non-partisan government, excluding ministers affiliated with political parties. Salam made the statement during a press conference at the Baabda Presidential Palace in Beirut, after meeting with President Joseph Aoun.

Salam stressed his commitment to forming a government despite the ongoing political challenges, expressing confidence that the new government would soon be in place. He assured that no ministry would be monopolized by any particular group, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Furthermore, he clarified that ministers would not be members of parliament or candidates for upcoming elections, aiming to establish a national authority free from partisan influence.

This development follows more than two years of political vacuum in Lebanon, which ended when Aoun was elected president on January 9. Salam, former president of the International Court of Justice, was tasked with forming the government shortly after. Lebanon’s political model, which is based on confessionalism, divides power among various religious communities, and both regional and international observers are keenly monitoring these developments, hoping for a government that can restore stability and unlock vital support.