Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, emphasized on Friday the urgent need to expedite the formation of Lebanon’s new government.
Salam briefed Aoun on the results of his non-binding parliamentary consultations and discussions with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The meeting underscored the positive feedback received from lawmakers and Speaker Berri, creating a hopeful atmosphere for the swift formation of the government.
Following the meeting at Baabda presidential palace, Salam addressed the media in a press conference, reaffirming his determination to form the government the soonest possible and kickstart essential rescue efforts.
“As I stated from Ain al-Tineh, we are committed to working around the clock—7 days a week, 24 hours a day—to finalize the government and initiate the necessary rescue efforts. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive among all political blocs, and I am aligned with President Berri. What unites us is the Constitution and the Taif Agreement,” he stated
Salam also expressed confidence in the timely formation of the government, noting, however, that delays in government formations are not unusual.
Regarding the participation of Amal and Hezbollah in the government, Salam stated that he needed more time to finalize the formation, adding that he is hopeful that the process would not be delayed.
He also discussed the vision for the new government, confirming that he and President Aoun had outlined its structure, size, and principles.
The discussions also touched on Lebanon’s international relations, particularly with France.
Salam highlighted the need for international pressure to ensure Israel’s immediate withdrawal, calling for France’s support in the reconstruction efforts and technical assistance to reform Lebanon’s laws and strengthen its institutions.
Salam With Nabih Berri
Earlier in the day, Salam paid a visit to Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berry in Ain el-Tineh. Berry described his meeting with Salam as ‘promising.’
After meeting Berri, Salam stated that “no one will obstruct the formation of a government,” referring to the Amal-Hezbollah duo.
The Speaker’s parliamentary bloc had previously boycotted the non-binding consultations for government formation.
In a statement to the press, Salam also emphasized the shared commitment between himself and Berri to the Constitution.
“We both adhere to the same text, the Constitution, as amended by the Taif Agreement,” he stated, underscoring that “contact will be maintained with the Parliament Speaker to ensure the formation of a government.”
“We have agreed on key principles, and I’ve prepared an initial draft that I will present to him.”
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